Over 40 children thoroughly enjoyed a friendly mixed handball tournament on Saturday, organised by Newcastle Vikings Handball Club at the Benfield Sports Centre.
The Vikings players were joined by boys and girls from several local schools – Gosforth Park First School, Gosforth East Middle School, Gosforth Junior Academy, Whitley Lodge Primary and Jesmond Academy. The afternoon’s action featured a 4-a-side mixed juniors tournament, together with fun games for mini handballers. The Vikings youth boys, including several of the club’s England Handball Academy players, also played a couple of exhibition matches to give the younger children and all their watching families and friends a taste of what they can look forward to as they grow and develop their handball skills.
After the juniors’ group stage matches, all teams had picked up victories as the Red bibs topped the table. The Blue bibs just pipped the Green bibs for second spot on goal difference after they had drawn their head-to-head game.
The Greens then drew 5-5 with the Grey bibs in the 3rd-4th place play-off, with the Greens just edging a 3-2 win in the penalty shoot-out. In the competition final, the Reds scored an entertainingly tight 8-7 victory over the Blues.
In the minis matches, the Yellow bibs and the Greens each won a game, before the Yellows won 6-5 in the decider.
The youth exhibition matches finished 6-4 and 18-12.
Newcastle Vikings would like to thank all those who came along for a great day of handball, and congratulations to the tournament winners and the Easter raffle winners too. Thanks also to Tesco Kingston Park’s community champion for donating one of the Easter egg prizes.
