IKF ECup R1 day 1
State University-HSS – SKK Dolphins Prievidza 16 – 6 (8 – 3)
The Russians entered a very young team under the guidance of the experienced shooter Dimitri. Although the Dolphins at the beginning were able to keep the score low, some tactical recommendations from coach Nizovski gave a boost to the players resulting in a comfortable lead at half time. Exactly the same score in the second half left no doubt about the Russian ambition to get qualified for the final round.
UKK WUM Warszawa – Vardananq 26 – 7 (9 – 2)
It was thrilling to see an Armenian team on the international scene again. After a long and tiring journey they could not compete with the Polish champion but then they obviously enjoyed the game. At half time it was clear that there was still a long way to go and much exercise to perfom but the main aim, to reappear in a European tournament, largely compensated the difference in score.
In the second half there was much more struggle. However too many infringements of the Armenians against the running rule on one hand and a rebound suppremacy of the tall male opponents on the other resulted in a clear Polish victory!
SKK Dolphins Prievidza – Edinburgh City KC 19 – 11 (10-3)
The Dolphins, although clearly defeated in the first match, had regained confidence giving the team from Scotland a hard time in the first half. Smooth combinations, accurate shooting and good physical effort resulted in an easy win after all.
Vardananq – Szentendrei KC 5 – 20 (1-11)
Unfortunately for Vardananq the Hungarian champion was very eager to qualify for the final round, given the fact that Hungary would be the host. With a very fast ball circulation and successful shooting Szentendrei left no doubt about the outcome of this match.
Edinburgh City KC – State University-HSS 7 – 28 (1-15)
It is a pity that the Russians could not make it this year to the final round forcing the team to play first rounds. Especially for teams like Edinburgh it is hard to struggle against such power play. Every spectator would prefer more balanced games. Unfortunately this was not the case here. It must be said. Edinburgh courageously continued to fight in the second half scoring their third after only 3′
As an extra it was enjoyable to see Sergey Nizovski come in as a substitute.
Szentendrei – UKK WUM Warszawa 15 – 11 (8-8)
Much excitement here. Two teams almost equal in strenght fighting for the first place in the pool. The shots now were very much more influenced by close defenders (5-4 after 10′) Obviously both teams had fielded their strongest and most experienced selection. Hungarian girl power resulted in a small margin just before the end of the first half but within minutes Warszawa equalised with an offensive strategy (8-8)
It then seemed that the Hungarians were able to do what their opponents could not: play with a tactical plan. A more balanced set up against individual actions too close to the post gave ball recuperation resulting from uncontrolled attacks and bad shooting from the Polish champion.
Many spectators enjoyed a great performance from both teams!
