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PC Marcus Kudliskis on how the Harris Bulldogs handball team were crowned national champions for the second year in a row.

On Thursday 26 June 2014 the Harris Bulldogs U13 and U15 teams travelled to Birmingham’s International Futsal Arena to take part in the Handball National Finals.

250 schools from all over England had entered the competition and both our teams had made it through to the Finals, a fantastic achievement in itself. We were now down to the top four teams in the country, competing for the No. 1 ranking and to have the thrill of lifting the cup!

Emotional

It was an exciting day for both the teams and myself, as well as quite an emotional day. The girls knew I was retiring from coaching the Harris Bulldogs and that it would our last game together. At our final team talk, I asked for one request only; for the girls to enjoy every moment of the finals, to play as a team and to the best of their abilities. I knew if they could do this, their talent would shine through and the cup would be theirs. The girls were truly determined and were 100% committed to showing their opponents what they really could do!

Despite the other teams being extremely physical, the Bulldogs knew that my bugbear is for any member of the team to drop their heads and retaliate either verbally or physically. This message was reinforced through all the stages of the tournament. I asked the team to just play their normal game and to ignore any tactics or physical antics from the opposition. At both the London Youth Games and National Finals – none of my players received a yellow or red card – the girls played cleanly and fairly; in true Champion fashion!

Privilege

It has been an absolute privilege to coach the girls this year. Their hard work and many early morning starts has paid off. The entire team were just fantastic. Over the course of the year I have had spectators and members of the public approaching me and commenting on their style of play and how impressive they are – even thinking they were watching a professional team!

I am incredibly proud of The Bulldogs and I can honestly say they played the best handball I have ever seen them play. They were quick on their feet, made fluid passes and worked tirelessly as a team, looking out for one another and covering each other’s positions at critical times. It was incredible to watch them in action and what a fantastic achievement to have only conceded 3 goals and scored 19 on the day – phenomenal!

Under 15s crowned national champions

Our first match was against Lymm High School (last year’s finalists). Initially the Bulldogs struggled to break down Lymm’s defences, as they had a very athletic goal keeper, but as the game progressed the Bulldogs exerted pressure on their opponents and the Bulldogs won with a very convincing score, 7-1.

The second game was against Cardinal Griffin. The Bulldogs had just finished playing Lymm High School and were immediately called back into action and onto court to face the next rival. Incredibly, they were raring to go and did not suffer from any fatigue, winning the match 5-1.

The Bulldog’s third and final match was against their arch rivals from the South of England, Ark Academy. The girls knew they were on course to lift the cup – all they needed was a draw against Ark Academy – and they would be crowned England Handball Champions. The Bulldogs were determined to win the match though and played an attacking match from the start. Two early goals steadied the nerves and with a huge amount of grit and determination they kept going to secure the victory and won the match 7-1. We were CROWNED NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Under 13s achieve runners-up spot

The U13’s team was only formed this year and with their limited experience, it was an incredible achievement to reach the finals. They played superbly throughout the tournament - the best they’ve ever played and they should be extremely proud of themselves.

Our first match was against Great Sankey school. We conceded a few goals early on in the match, but the Bulldogs bounced back with gusto and the girls pressed on scoring an incredible 11 goals! They won the match, 11-6.

Our second match was against the reigning Northern Champions, Swinton School. This was a very physical game and both teams were closely matched, but the Bulldogs rose to the challenge and won the game, 5-4.

Our final match was against Riverside, the reigning Southern Champions. Again, it was a very physical game and the teams were closely matched, the Bulldogs battled hard but unfortunately lost the game 7-5.

With their enthusiasm and sheer will and determination, the Bulldogs secured a SILVER MEDAL, which is such a wonderful achievement for a newly formed team, against reigning champions and more experienced players.

The U13’s and U 15’s played superbly throughout the tournament and their team spirit was second to none. I could not have asked any more of them. I am incredibly proud of their achievements and they should be so very proud of themselves too!

Over the years, the Harris Bulldogs have been a huge success and it has been a great honour to work with them. I know that all the staff at Harris Academy are incredibly proud of their achievements and rightly so, they have represented their school incredibly well and their achievements speak for themselves.

It’s a final farewell from me………. Go Bulldogs!!

Please congratulate the girls below:

UNDER 13s

• Esther OKELOLA (Capt)
• Sanatha SYLLA (Vice Capt
• Sophie BUKENYA
• Blessing PETERS
• Zameelah MUHAMMAD
• Serpil CINGOZ
• Catherine NGO
• Hannah-Abiebatu KANU
• Chigozie BENOKWU
• Jamilla DAUDA
• Juwon DAVIES
• Louisa EMUOBOME
• Savannah SILCOTT

 

UNDER 15s

• Tamika HARLOW (Capt)
• Deztinie EDWARDS (Vice Capt)
• Fathia FOFANAH
• Bintu FREEMAN
• Shanaya WALLACE
• Halima TURAY
• Tiahn YHAP
• Ruqayyah MUHAMMAD
• Chenoray EDWARDS

 

Many Thanks 

PC Marcus Kudliskis