In the first match after the winter break, SEW immediately suffered a defeat. The score was 26-29 against fellow provincial VOC. The team from Nibbixwoud now sees the gap with the leader from Amsterdam growing to five points.
Sports hall de Bloesem in Wognum was packed for the North Holland get-together. SEW had invited forty clubs from the region, which meant that almost a thousand people were present in the hall, according to the club.
The mostly young spectators in the stands saw an even first half. SEW benefited frequently from the rapid outbreak against the physically strong VOC. Halfway through, the visitors from Amsterdam were ahead by one point: 16-17.
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In the second half, VOC showed why it is again one of the title favorites this year. With the score at 23-23, coach Elly-An de Boer’s team took a three-point lead. VOC did not hand this over, partly thanks to an excellent Nikki van der Vorst. The VOC goalkeeper was an obstacle for the SEW players.
The victory means VOC remains joint leader with 26 points. SEW has to take a step back and is still fifth with 21 points.
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Michael Vijverberg retires from SEW
Just before the turn of the year it was announced that SEW trainer Michael Vijverberg is in his last months at the club from Nibbixwoud. After four seasons, Vijverberg and the club have decided to end the collaboration.
“I work as a full-timer in a world where there is a lot of amateurism. You are actually always dependent on volunteers in important positions. I already had doubts about that last summer. Then I decided to continue, but in October I already noticed a commotion within myself. Ultimately, discussions take place and you come to such a decision,” Vijverberg explains his decision.