Ettifaq stave off late Bahrain Club rally in handball league

TDT | Manama                                                                        

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Al Ettifaq eked out a hard-earned 29-28 victory over Bahrain Club last night as part of the second week of action in the 2022/2023 Khalid bin Hamad Bahrain Handball League, being played at the Bahrain Handball Association Arena in Um Al Hassam.

Ettifaq held a 16-10 lead at the half but their rivals fought back late in the final 30-minute period. Ettifaq were up 28-22 with less than 10 minutes to go but then Bahrain Club made a furious rally, getting to within 28-29 with a fastbreak goal from the six-metre line and just 30 seconds left to play.

But their comeback came a little too late as Ettifaq were able to hold onto possession until time expired, sealing the narrow triumph. With the result, Ettifaq improved to a 2-0 win-loss record while Bahrain Club suffered their second successive defeat.

In yesterday’s other game, Al Ettihad came back from behind to post a late 26-25 win over Samaheej. Samaheej had a slim 12-11 advantage heading into the locker rooms, but Ettihad went on to tie the game at 20-apiece heading into the final third of the second half.

The score was then tied at 25-all, but with 20 seconds to go Ettihad were awarded a penalty, and Faisal Mohammed supplied the winning throw from the seven-metre line. Samaheej tried to score on the other end before the final buzzer but could not connect on their two attempts.

With the result, Ettihad claimed their first win of the season while Samaheej suffered their first loss. Week two concludes tonight with a mammoth clash between defending champions Al Najma and Barbar, scheduled for a 7pm throw-off at the same venue.