Zebras bite the Lions

One week after losing the Supercup against Hamburg, THW Kiel showed their strength in their first big duel of the Bundesliga season. In Round 2, the “Zebras” have beaten the “Lions” clearly by 36:29 (18:11). For 45 minutes Kiel played an excellent game, but the Rhein Neckar Löwen could catch up in the middle of the second half. But then THW improved again.

The top scorer for Löwen was Karol Bielecki with nine goals, Hendrik Lundström scored eight for Kiel.

The “Löwen” signed Snorri Gudjonsson from Denmark before this match as their playmaker Grzegrorz Tkackyk will miss the next five month due to an injury. The third Icelandic in the “Löwen” squad couldn’t stop the fast Kiel game.

“It was a well deserved victory for THW,” “Löwen” coach Ola Lindgren said. “At the beginning Thierry Omeyer “pulled our teeth” and after the 24:28 we missed three good chances to turn the match. We showed good moral and fighting spirit. For our new team this match was too early, but even as Hamburg and Kiel are the favourites, we don’t have to hide in the league.”

THW coach Alfred Gislasson wasn’t completely satisfied:

“I was angry as we gave the clear lead away. Luckily we woke up in time. It was a quite good match, but we have to improve a lot. Our defence was good before the break and Omeyer was outstanding. We can build on this performance. But we have a lot of work ahead with our new players.”