Perfect Larvik cruise into Main Round

Larvik HK enjoyed their fourth straight win in the Women’s EHF Champions League Group D, as the Norwegian champions powered by hapless HCM Baia Mare, 31:26. The result means that Larvik has mathematically qualified for the Main Round.

Larvik HK (NOR) vs HCM Baia Mare (RO) 31:26 (16:11)

Larvik's previous performances were seen by many as not the most impressive, however, the Norwegian champions' outing against the Romanian powerhouse was a significant improvement, bar a 10-minute blip near the end which brought back Baia Mare into the game.

It was a thrilling start by Ole Gustav Gjekstad's team, as Larvik took the lead from the first few minutes and built on it, as Baia Mare's injury woes continued.

While Davydenko was nursing an ankle injury and was retired to sitting on the bench, Ada Nechita sprained her ankle in the first minutes and had to sit out the remainder of the game.

Larvik entered half-time with a convincing five-goal advantage up 16:11.

After the Norwegian side took a seven-goal lead in the 36th minute with 19:12, Baia Mare made an impressive comeback in only ten minutes, to tie the game at 21:21.

But the effort took its toll and Larvik's experienced overpowered the Romanian side, who lost by a five-goal margin, 31:26.

Larvik now joins Györ as the second team who have qualified for this year's Main Round.