ROUND PREVIEW: One double header on the agenda as the quarter-finals of the Women’s Challenge Cup throw off this weekend
First semi-finalist to be named this weekend
The fact that we have now reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s Challenge Cup does not mean that we have seen the last of the double headers. One of the four ties is going to be decided over two matches this weekend.
Virto/Quintus reached the quarter-finals by winning a double header narrowly in Iceland against Haukar. This weekend, the Dutch club are hosting a double header themselves, as they receive current number three in the Swiss league, LK Zug Handball.
The first leg in the Eekhout Hal in Kwintsheul is taking place Saturday afternoon, the return match in the same venue to be played Sunday afternoon.
Two teams, who have won the competition in the past, are also part of the quarter-finals this time. Rocasa Gran Canaria ACE, who won last year, are travelling to Croatia for the first match against HC Lokomotiva Zagreb. Lokomotiva, who have two finals in the Cup Winners’ Cup as the best achievements in their European Cup history, take on the ruling champions from Spain on Saturday evening.
H 65 Höörs HK, who won in 2014, are up against Spain’s other representative in the quarter-finals - Mecalia Atletico Guardes, who visit Sporthallen Höör for the first leg on Sunday afternoon.
In the last quarter-final tie, Kram Start Elblag from Poland meet DHC Sokol Poruba from the Czech Repiblic. Elblag have the home right in the first match, which is being played late Saturday afternoon.
TEXT:
Peter Brunn / bc