Metz clinch main round berth with easy win in Norway

Metz Handball are ready for the EHF Champions League Main Round, after the French champions took a clear 31:21 win away against Larvik HK Saturday afternoon.

• Metz clinched their main round berth with this win
• Larvik can still reach the main round if other matches go their way
• Mari Molid scored six goals for Larvik
• Xenia Smits netted five for Metz

GROUP A
Larvik HK (NOR) vs Metz Handball (FRA) 21:31 (9:15)

Metz Handball had absolutely no problems booking their main round ticket during their visit to Larvik’s Boligmappa Arena on Saturday afternoon.

An early 3:0 lead for Metz was the starting signal to a match completely dominated by the visitors.

The strong French defence was a huge obstacle to the Norwegian side's attack, and only a stellar performance by Guro Rundbråten in goal saved Larvik from being more than three goals down during the first 20 minutes.

Towards half time, Metz intensified their grip and doubled their lead. After the break, they continued to increase the lead, reaching a double-digit advantage by the middle of the half.

While Metz clinched their main round berth, Larvik still stand a chance of progressing.

If Buducnost lose against Odense HC on Sunday, Larvik could decide their own fate through an away win against Buducnost on the last match day of the group matches.