The handball players of Aalsmeer have won the make-up game against the Belgian Visé tonight. The last time the two teams met, the game was halted due to a massive brawl. Aalsmeer eventually won the game, which was played on a neutral ground in Panningen, after a spectacular 30-28.
As a result of the fight, both Tim Bottinga (12 games) and Samir Benghanem (6 games) were suspended. At Visé, Yves Vancosen was suspended for nine games. The trio therefore watched the game from the stands.
Aalsmeer started the game well and quickly ran out to a big 8-3 lead. However, the team of coach Bert Bouwer let the Belgian opponent come back in the game and at halftime the difference was only two: 18-16.
Spectacular in the final phase
In the second half, the game seemed to slip out of Aalsmeer’s hands. Visé cleared the deficit after the break and even took a 24-28 lead. However, the North Hollanders did not give in and fought back to 28-28. Goalkeeper René de Knegt kept his team going at that time with a number of great saves. Thanks to a utilized penalty by Vaidas Trainavicius and a goal by Max de Maat, the victory was finally secured: 30-28.
With the win, Aalsmeer climbs to second place in the BENE-League Handball. The gap with leader Achilles Bocholt is now four points.