Larvik survive thriller to grab first win

Larvik took their first win in the Women’s EHF Champions League Group Matches, while Buducnost suffered their first defeat, as the Norwegian side won 23:22 in an entertaining Saturday evening clash.

• Larvik had their largest lead at 12:8 on 23 minutes
• Mari Molid scored nine goals for Larvik, Katarina Bulatovic and Milena Raicevic five each for Buducnost
• Both teams have two points after the first two rounds

GROUP A
Larvik HK (NOR) vs Buducnost (MNE) 23:22 (12:12)

A strong defence and impressive fighting spirit earned Larvik their first victory in the Women’s EHF Champions League this season.

Goalkeeper Guro Rundbraten played a large part in the Norwegian side’s win and was in good form as Larvik got the better start lead 8:5 after 11 minutes.

Buducnost had huge problems with the Norwegian 6-0 defence and with Rundbraten, while down the other end they had particular problems with Mari Molid, who was successful as playmaker as well as in the role of goalscorer.

Larvik had their biggest lead at 12:8 with seven minutes left of the first half, but the home team did not score for the rest of the first half, allowing Buducnot to draw level at the break, then take their first lead at 15:14, three minutes into the second half.

Larvik managed to hang in, however, and with eight minutes left, they regained the upper hand and never looked back.

As Julie Andenæs made it 23:21 with a minute and a half left and Rundbråten saved the following Buducnost shot, the matter was decided and Larvik picked up an unexpected win.