With a spirited performance, Handball Sportunion Leoben secured a crucial 27:25 away win against MADx WAT Atzgersdorf in the HLA Challenge season opener. The team showed determination from the start and secured the victory with great discipline. Newly promoted UHC Eggenburg will host the team on Saturday at 7:00 PM.
The joy of the successful start was written all over the faces of the Leobeners
The team was alert from the start, and the early lead reflected their intensive preparation. The hosts from Vienna, however, were unfazed and responded promptly. An open exchange of blows developed, with both teams repeatedly taking the lead. After a quarter of an hour, Kramer’s team managed to pull ahead by three goals for the first time and take control. With concentrated defensive work and quick transition play, Leoben extended their lead to seven goals by the 26th minute. The Montanstädter team went into the locker room at halftime with a comfortable 15:11 lead.
Immediately after the restart, Leoben extended their lead and remained the more active team. Nevertheless, MADx WAT Atzgersdorf didn’t let up, with Alen Bajgoric in particular bringing the Vienna team within 18:16 with two quick goals. It was palpable that the home team was doing everything they could to turn the game around. But Leoben held their nerve and defended their lead with great commitment and discipline.
The two Elias (Kvarits & Typolt) were among the top scorers on Sunday (Photo: Robert Edegger )
In the final minutes, the match became a real test of nerves. The hosts managed to reduce the deficit goal by goal and, with six minutes remaining, pulled within three goals after the Montanstädter had already led by as many as six goals. However, Leoben showed morale and held on to a well-deserved victory. The 27:25 win was the reward for a solid team performance and the tireless will to prevail, even under pressure. “We started the game really well today, were compact in defense and had a good atmosphere in the team. After the break, we lost some of our momentum at times, but we held our nerve and brought the victory home to Leoben ,” said a delighted winger Elias Kvarits , who, along with Marek Kovacech and Elias Typolt, was one of Leoben’s top scorers with four goals each.
Outlook: Home game against UHC Astro Kalb Eggenburg
The successful start gives the team further momentum for the upcoming challenges. The first home game against league newcomers UHC Astro Kalb Eggenburg is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 13th, at the Donawitz Sports Hall. We’re looking forward to the loud support of our fans and want to build on the momentum from the opening game to secure the next points in front of our home crowd.
Squad and goals: Lombes-Birkenheuer, Reiter, Bezovnik; Kvarits (4), Kovacech (4/2), Typolt (4/1), Edegger (3), Pucher (3), Schweiger (3), Hinterreiter (2), Jadron (2), Lechner (2), Florijancic, Kislick, Sabazgiraev, Scheer
Image courtesy of Sportunion Leoben
