Saturday 18th January 2014. A landmark in the development of Handball in Cornwall, as Newquay record their first victory in the South & West Development league.
Newquay Handball Club 24 – 13 Cardiff Handball Club
NHC have progressed a long way in a short space of time. In little over a year they have gone from zero to competing with, and now beating, experienced teams. To win by more than ten goals is a significant margin, something that NHC and their supporters could not have anticipated going into their first season.
Newquay have leapt a giant hurdle. Now, they can believe. Now, they can challenge any team. NHC are no longer in the business of making up the numbers.
From throw-off Newquay came out of the blocks fast, bringing the game to Cardiff and immediately taking charge. Training ground practise was clearly paying off, with space created for Circle Player Kevin Welsh, Centre Jürgen Koenen, and Right Back Adolf Botar. Newquay’s Portuguese star David Santos fired in goal after goal from 9 metres plus, and with Lee Springett benefitting from Eddie Percy-Hughes’ fast breaks, Newquay went into half time 15-8 up.
The second half was a low scoring affair, with Newquay seemingly tightening up infront of goal. Injury to Botar, and Koenen jaded with illness, didn’t help matters. NHC managed just one goal in the first 13 minutes of the second half. These are times when defence is crucial, and Newquay’s was first class. Committed, aggressive and organised, keeping their lead in tact.
In the latter stages of the second period Cardiff had to chase the game, taking risks and leaving gaps for Newquay to exploit. And exploit the did, debutant Jon Hyatt checked in with a brace, Santos continued his assault on the Cardiff goal, and Botar came back on dually adding to Newquay’s lead.
Newquay were also able to blood another promising young player, Ben Haddrell, who excelled defensively and threatened the Cardiff back line. With Newquay’s new players performing so well, and the influential Tristan Mullar-Forster to come back in, the squad is looking very strong indeed.
The next challenge for NHC comes from Bath, the return fixture of the spectacular season opener. Newquay are a much improved team since the first encounter, which couldn’t have been closer, ending 19-18 in favour of the Somersetians. Saturday 1st February, 2pm. Save the date, it’s going to be explosive.
