HANDBALL – In a very exciting match between the ladies of Misker E&O and Westfriesland/SEW, both teams had to settle for a point. The match in Sports Hall Angelslo ended 36-36, which means that the rankings do not change: E&O remains the leader in the first division, with SEW firmly in second place.
For E&O, which is determined to return to the Premier League as quickly as possible, the match was a good test of strength. With a strong first half of the season under their belt and a ticket for the championship pool already secured, the green and white wanted to continue the good feeling and increase the gap with their direct competitor.
However, E&O had a difficult start. SEW showed what they had come for from the opening phase and took a 4-9 lead in no time. The Emmen ladies seemed to have no answer to the fast attacking game of the visitors. Nevertheless, E&O straightened out. Led by an excellent playing Nienke ten Cate and Indy Hoogeveen, the home team started to get a grip on the match. The pace increased and gradually the green machine started to gain steam.
At halftime, E&O had completely turned the tables and had a narrow 16-15 lead on the scoreboard.
The second half was a real test of strength. Both teams kept each other in balance for a long time. SEW played fast and organized, while E&O struggled to break through the visitors’ strong defense. The pace of the game had to increase, Marit Nieuwenweg also understood. With quick actions and break-outs, in which Romy Stadens played a key role, E&O managed to stay on track: 26-27.
Goalkeeper Claudia ter Wal was also of great value to the Emmense formation. With a series of impressive saves, she proved to be a real obstacle and prevented worse. However, with the higher tempo, sloppiness also crept into E&O’s playing. Great opportunities were missed and holes were created in the coverage. SEW made smart use of this and dominated for a long time
Trainer Mart Aalderink intervened with a timeout, but even then the game continued to wave back and forth.
In the final minutes the tension in Sports Hall Angelslo was palpable. Indy Hoogenveen excelled in the final phase with a few hard hits, but SEW did not give up. Ires Koops van ‘t Jagt made it 35-35 with a nice goal, after which the tension rose to a boiling point. SEW seemed to be heading for a win when Norwegian Entius put the 35-36 lead on the scoreboard.
With three minutes to play and the crowd on the edge of their seats, it was Romy Stadens again, who played a strong game and managed to score 36-36. SEW had a huge opportunity to take the win in the closing seconds, but missed.
With the draw, E&O remains at the top of the first division. Based on the first half of the competition, the handball ladies from Emmen show an excellent impression. The last match of the year awaits next week, in which the Emmen ladies will face Fortissimo.