UPLIFTING AND PROMISING EFFORT AGAINST GOG

UPLIFTING AND PROMISING EFFORT AGAINST GOG

Photo: Jens Ørgaard Jensen / HØJ Elite

GOG – HØJ Elite 32-29 (13-16)

Nearly 3,000 spectators found their way to Arena Svendborg on Thursday night for the league clash against GOG – and that's exactly what it turned out to be: a real battle with drama right to the end.

The HØJ Elite men were ready from the off, and the will, the focus and the joy of playing shone out of the players from the very first minute. Our travelling fans were equally up for it in the away section and delivered outstanding support throughout all 60 minutes.

On the court, plenty was clicking right from the start of the match. Simen Schønningsen, among others, was able to notch his third goal after just five minutes.

HØJ Elite were in the driving seat throughout the entire first half, and when an outstanding Hampus Wanne put us 14-9 ahead five minutes before the break, things suddenly looked very promising.

At 16-13 we could head to the dressing room with a good feeling ahead of the final 30 minutes. After the break, though, the home side came back strongly and quickly reeled in our lead – levelling at 17-17.

That didn't rattle our favourites, however, as they pulled clear again and registered leads of one, two and three goals heading into the closing stages. Once again we glimpsed the chance of points, only for it to be spoiled by a strong GOG finish – kickstarted by the home side's first lead of the match in the 57th minute.

Even though it didn't bring any points, the feeling is a good one and showed several big steps in the right direction.

There were strong performances at both ends of the court, and with a fine collective effort like this one, things look promising ahead of the upcoming fixtures against GOG, (cup) Skjern Håndbold and TTH, before Aalborg come to visit on 25 October.

A sparkling Hampus Wanne was HØJ Elite's top scorer with seven goals, a strong-playing Simen Schønningsen chipped in with six, while Jonathan Svensson and Tom Kåre Nikolaisen shared third place with five each.

On top of that, we can't overlook a sharp Linus Arnesson – or Till Klimpke, who once again delivered a fine performance in the HØJ Elite goal.

HØJ Elite – Unity and Community in a Class of Its Own.