16.09.2018, 09:14
Plock cruise to victory in first Group D outing

GROUP D REVIEW: Mlakar on fire as new-look Polish side open their VELUX EHF Champions League season with a 10-goal victory over Wacker Thun

Plock cruise to victory in first Group D outing

After two seasons of frustration in the VELUX EHF Champions League, Orlen Wisla Plock will be feeling a more enthusiastic about this coming campaign after a comfortable win over Wacker Thun on Sunday.

A number of newcomers to the Polish runners-up had a chance to express themselves and show their worth to new coach Xavi Sabaté in the 10-goal victory.

• New arrival from Celje, Ziga Mlakar top scores with eight goals
• 6:1 run late in the first half broke Thun’s early resistance
• Thun now without a win in all 11 of their matches at this level

GROUP D
Orlen Wisla Plock (POL) vs Wacker Thun (SUI) 34:24 (18:13)

Sabaté and Plock could not have asked for a better opponent to open their European account this season, a spirited but ultimately weaker Thun side. However, the opening quarter of the match was far from a one-sided affair.

Wacker Thun held numerous one-goal leads for the opening 10 minutes, but eventually Plock’s defence caught on and there was little Thun could do once the likes of Ziga Mlakar and Michal Daszek got going in attack.

A 6:1 run gave the hosts a lead they would take into the dressing room’s at half-time and it was difficult to see a way back from 18:13 down for Thun.

To their credit, the Swiss champions came out fighting in the second half and continued to score some well-worked goals, but most of the damage was done by just two players – Ron Delhees (seven goals) and Philip Holm (four).

Plock played with freedom and creativity in attack, creating scoring opportunities throughout the court, which was reflected by six different players scoring four goals or more.

Slovenian right back Ziga Mlakar top scored with eight goals for Plock, who jump to the top of Group D after Round 1, while Thun’s wait for a victory at this level continues, having failed to pick up a win from 11 matches in Europe’s top flight.

Sabaté praised Thun's efforts after the match, saying: "I like the style that Wacker play. They are a much better team than many people think they are."

Right wing Michal Daszek added: "Our opponents ran like crazy, it was really hard to keep this intensity. I think that one of the keys to today’s victory was our experience at international level."

TEXT: Chris O'Reilly/jh