November 11, 2021
The Baltic Handball League is returning this weekend with 10 games. Taking into account the restrictions set in Latvia, two Latvian teams will not be able to play yet – HK Ogre and SK Latgols Ludza, however, at the moment it seems that the teams will be able to return next week and play the games as planned.
This week’s most exciting games will be, undoubtedly, to the Põlva Serviti team, which will play against HC Dragunas Klaipeda and ZRHK Tenax Dobele. Both teams are serious competitors in the fight for victory in this BHL season, so they will definitely want to steal a point from the team that has played perfectly so far.
Sandris Veršakovs, head coach of ZRHK Tenax Dobele
“We haven’t really taken a break; luckily the club was able to complete the formalities so that we can fully enjoy the sports life. No game was postponed; we have played every game except the game against HC Vilnius (COVID case). We continued to train, we spent more time in the last couple of weeks on physical training, but this week we are already moving more to tactics and preparing for this week’s opponents – HC Kehra and Põlva Serviti. The problem is always the same, if you have two games in a row, you have to prepare for both at the same time, you have to divide your practice time, and you can’t focus 100% on just one opponent. Priorities need to be assessed. If we are talking about Põlva Serviti, then they are definitely favorites at the top of the tournament table without any lost game. Their biggest plus is the game in defense and the quick transitions, in many games they let their opponents score no more than 20 goals, which alone shows good defense. We will try to play equally good in defense and make quick transitions / easy goals. We have two home games, so there is a small advantage, just a pity – without spectators. But we must not forget about HC Kehra either, I believe that all teams in the Baltic League are competitive and each team must be taken into account and respected. Every point is important and we will do our best to earn points and move up in the tournament table.”
Kalmer Musting, head coach of Põlva Serviti
“It will be an interesting weekend. We have to respect both opponents. HC Dragunas Klaipeda is current defending champion of BHL and ZRHK Tenax Dobele is Latvian champion. I believe these will be intense matchups. We have been preparing well. Some players were away with national teams, but they are now back and ready. We have few days to get back in to our rhythm. Our advantage should be even bench with equivalent substitutions in every position.”
Of course, we must not forget the other games, as already mentioned, BHL returns with 10 games and we look forward to an exciting, handball-filled weekend. Enjoy the game!