The handball players of Herpertz Bevo and Kembit-Lions have lost their connection with the top of the HandbalNL League. Both teams suffered a loss on Saturday.
The men of Bevo from Panningen belonged to the leaders of the HandbalNL League after four games, but lost 32-27 to fellow leader Aalsmeer.
Two goals behind
The team from Panningen trailed 3-1 in the initial phase, but fought back and tied the score. After that, Aalsmeer made a hole, but Bevo kept coming back. Halfway through the game, the men of interim coach Danny van Katwijk were 16-14 behind.
Greater backlog
After the break, Aalsmeer advanced further, but the yellow-blues did not want to capitulate. The difference was almost eliminated (21-20). After that, Aalsmeer made a gap of five hits and ran to 28-23. A hardworking Bevo was unable to close that gap and lost 32-27.
Volendam
Kembit-Lions started well in the away game against leader Volendam. Coach Christoph Jauernik’s team led 2-5 after four minutes and seemed to have little trouble with one of the three leaders in the HandbalNL League. Lions defended solidly, ran out to 3-8, but had to miss Ivo Steins twice within fifteen minutes with a two-minute time penalty. The people from Sittard kept Volendam at a distance for quite some time, but the team from North Holland defended strongly and came closer with quick counterattacks. At halftime, Lions led 10-12.
Scoring drive
In the second half Lions ran out to 13-16, but Volendam came back again and even took the lead moments later: 18-17 . Lions was able to keep up with the Volendam team, but then had no answer to the home team’s scoring drive. The gap increased to a difference of five goals, in favor of the North Hollanders. Lions managed to nibble a bit from the deficit, but lost 29-26.
position
In the battle for the national title, Bevo is in third place halfway through the competition. The team from Panningen has six points from five games and is two points behind leaders Volendam and Aalsmeer. Lions is fourth with five points, three points behind Volendam and Aalsmeer.