SG Flensburg-Handewitt won the 113th national derby and took the lead in the DAIKIN HBL after beating THW Kiel 36:34 (16:19). The SG's top scorers were Lasse Møller (10), Emil Jakobsen (8/4) and Domen Novak (5).
When even the warm-up offers atmospheric highlights, it's derby time. And when Kent Robin Tønnesen's contract extension was announced shortly before kick-off, the atmosphere in "Hölle Nord" shot up even further. The Norwegian immediately scored the first goal of the day with his first derby goal. "Stand up if you're Flensburg!" chanted the North Stand before kick-off. That wasn't even necessary given the drama. Benjamin Burić kept a clean sheet for the first four minutes, before early 2-minute suspensions set the SG back. The SG quickly regained the upper hand. Johannes Golla, Simon Pytlick and Lasse Møller garnished their successes with emotional fan interaction. Benjamin Burić thwarted a seven-meter penalty at 11:9. However, a three-goal lead did not materialize. However, THW Kiel won the period before the break. Lasse Møller tied the scores at 16:16 with a powerful shot. It was the SG's derby goal number 3000 in the last 41 years. A series of threes by the visitors ended the first half. Lasse Møller prevented a four-goal deficit with a spectacular save.
Great restart
THW led overall - and also in the goalkeeper duel. Kevin Møller was in goal at the restart and immediately saved a penalty throw. Simon Pytlick returned from the dressing room with plenty of energy. Domen Novak also scored a double - with a huge leap in the air. The SG was back in front for the first time at 21:20. Kent Robin Tønnesen increased the lead to 25:21 just as minute 40 expired and a 9:2 spurt fueled the euphoria and emotions in the "Hölle Nord". The task now was to defend the cushion. Kevin Møller kept mixing a few saves into the derby cocktail. Marko Grgic was now part of the backcourt formation and scored twice to make it 28:24. The SG was able to keep its regional rivals at bay. Lasse Møller scored to make it 33:28 and the fans chanted "Derby winner, derby winner" during an Auszeit in Kiel. It was no longer exciting. Instead, the crowd and players were able to enjoy the final phase: "We are number one in the country."
