Entering the final round of the group stage Sydney Uni HC was looking to bounce back after yesterdays match versus THW Kiel. The morning saw a slightly demoralised Sydney Uni HC, but a short sharp training session soon turned that around. There was a great energy on court and the session re-energised the Sydney Uni HC outfit in the lead in to the match against Qatari Champions Al Sadd.

 

Much had been publicised about the recent acquisition of  a number of Montpellier Handball Club players including two members of the French gold medal winning olympic side, but this was not a concern of Sydney Uni HC. The goal again would be do go out and fight til the last and that’s what happened.

 

Sydney Uni started slow as in other matches through out the tournament, but managed to keep in touch. Down by 7 at the halfway break, the game was slipping away, but not lost. There was a turn in momentum when goal keeper Thomas Gertsch scored from goal to goal with some celebratory pushups in tow, a reference to the match against THW Kiel the day before. This added momentum got Sydney Uni HC on a roll and a quick counter attack had the man from the Alps, Jonathan Abplanalp slotting one past replacement player Issam Tej.

 

This game was never about the numbers on the scoreboard (for the record Al Sadd won the match 34-25). It was a triumph for amateur sports. The display put on tonight by Sydney Uni HC would be heart warming to any sports fan. It showed a group of mates, bound by the love of the sport who play for the sheer thrill of competition.

Tomorrow the team have a well earned rest day and Friday the take on Al Jiash in the preliminary finals.

For more photos and updates from the team check out our facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/SydneyUniHandball