Day Five Recap – 21st March

Day five may have taken place at the home of British Judo, but the focus was firmly on kabaddi as we hit quarter and semi finals day, which would determine which four men’s teams make it through to the semi finals as well as deciding the nations lining up for the face off at the women’s final. 

First up at The University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall Campus was the first women’s semi final: India against Hong Kong China. India delivered a commanding performance against Hong Kong China, securing a 53 to 15 victory in a match that focused their dominance in both raiding and defence. From the outset the Indian team asserted their control, executing well co-ordinated raids and maintaining a tight defensive structure that left Hong Kong China struggling to gain any momentum. Hong Kong China managed to register their first point through a well executed team tackle but it came at a cost. One of their players suffered a nose bleed injury, and ended up needing to leave the field of play. Injuries continued to impact on the team, with a shoulder dislocation. By half time, India had built a comfortable 29 to 7 lead; the third quarter saw India maintain their grip on the game, consistently capitalising on their opponents’ errors whilst adding to their lead. Hong Kong China showed great resilience and fought for every point. Despite the team’s fighting spirit, India remained in control and closed out the match with a dominant 53 to 15 victory.

England’s women’s team took control of the second match from the start, not allowing Wales any chance to settle. Their raids and defence was strong, backed by a clear strategy and solid tactics. On the other hand, Wales struggled to find their rhythm and their lack of experience was evident. However they showed great determination throughout the match. By half time England was dominating with a strong 64 to 8 lead and in the second half they brought on five substitutions who delivered solid performances. Wales had already felt the loss coming, but kept fighting to add more points to the board. The final score, England 72 Wales 25.

The first men’s quarter final pitted England’s men against Hong Kong China, England entering the match as strong favourites. They wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Within the first 2.5 minutes they secured their first All-Out against Hong Kong China, setting the tone for what would be a challenging encounter for the less experienced team. One key factor that impacted Hong Kong China’s physical performance was the physical toll from their previous match against Italy, which had generated a number of injuries. England’s defence was impenetrable and by half time the score line read 48 to 7. The second half followed in a similar pattern, with a continued relentless attach by England. In the final quarter, Hong Kong China’s players came to form again and showed great resilience, fighting back to get England All-Out once, but it was too little too late. England secured a resounding victory of 89 to 23. 

In the second men’s quarter final, Scotland came out strong against USA straight from the start, putting a lot of pressure on their opponents. The US team struggled to find their flow. There were some heated moments in the game, and as the game went on it became more aggressive. Scotland made sure to get into their opponents’ heads and were able to take control of the game. In the second half, US player Federico Gramajo injured his knee and had to be wheel-chaired off the field of play, which was a big set back for the team and the match culminated in a comfortable win for Scotland: 89 to 30.

In what was expected to be a closely contested knockout match, Poland came out really aggressively in the first quarter taking an immediate control with a rapid 10 to 2 lead within the first five minutes. However Wales responded with remarkable composure and by the end of the first quarter Wales had completely overturned the deficit, leading 12 to 10. Building on the momentum Wales took control of the second quarter as well: their defensive set up was impenetrable and their raiders systematically dismantled Poland’s resistance. Tempers briefly flared up before half time when Wales had stretched their lead significantly to 35 to 12 leaving Poland with a mountain to climb.  Poland came out in the second-half with renewed intensity and a clear game plan. Their defence tightened and they managed to inflict an All-Out on Wales significantly reducing the deficit by the end of the third quarter. Poland showed signs of resurgence in the final quarter, dominating the exchanges and putting Wales under immense pressure. Wales held their nerve and secured a victory.

The last match of the day was the quarter-final between Hungary and India. Hungary had great support from the stands with their women’s team and Poland’s women’s team cheering them on. However India, one of the tournament’s top contenders, proved why they were favourites as they made sure Hungary had to fight for every point, showing strong raids and solid defence. By half time India led 34 to 7, seeming to relax a bit which allowed Hungary to secure some points early in the second-half. despite their inexperience Hungary stayed determined and kept pushing for the points. In the end it was an exciting match but India secured their place in the semi finals.

Match results

• Semi final  1: India v Hong Kong China (women): Final score: India 53 v Hong Kong China 15 
• Semi final 2: Wales v England (women): Final score: Wales 25 v England 72
• Quarter final 1: England v Hong Kong China (men): Final score: England 89 v Hong Kong China 23
• Quarter final 2: Scotland v USA (men): Final score: Scotland 89 v USA 30
• Quarter final 3: Poland v Wales (men): Final score: Poland 38 v Wales 52
• Quarter final 4: Hungary v India (men): Final score: Hungary 24 v India 69

Women’s final stages:

• Third placing: Hong Kong China v Wales 
• Final: England v India

 

Men’s Semi Finals

• England v Scotland
• India v Wales