Zaporozhye could not cope with much stronger Chekovskie Medvedi and lost their first home match by 20:32.
Medvedi: no mercy
1500 spectators in Zaporozhye Hall did not see good performance by their team. The Russians had the lead during the entire match and won on the end deservedly.
Good start
Although the guests were clear favourites in this encounter, they did not take control of the result from the beginning. The home team kept up with the score all the way until 13th minute when it was 7:7, but then Chipurin and Dibirov made some nice moves and the Russian team took a three-goal lead. Chekovskie Medvedi easily ended the first half with a four goal lead, 12:16.
Budko vs Medvedi
In the second half Medvedi continued to dominate. Only a great performance of the Ukrainian goalkeeper Budko saved his team from a total catastrophe. Nevertheless, Zaporozhye lost with a very unpleasant 20:32.
Team effort
Onufrienko and Stetsyura scored five in the home team, while goalkeeper Budko saved 15 shots. On the other side, Chipurin, Dibirov, Igropulo and Kovalev played in the best form with four goals each.
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Ivan Ambros