HC Bloemendaal, SV Kampong, Den Bosch and AH&BC Amsterdam hold the big advantages after away wins in the first legs of their respective Hoofdklasse semi-finals in midweek.
In the men’s matches, Bloemendaal were the big winners with a thumping 5-1 victory over Den Bosch at Oosterplas. They did the hard way, coming from a goal behind to Arjen Lodewijks’ opener in the 21st minute.
But the lead did not last until half-time as Thierry Brinkman equalised and then further goals from Florian Fuchs, Roel Bovendeert, Yannick van der Drift and Tim Swaen put de Mussen out of sight.
Kampong also took a big win from their Wednesday game when they beat HC Rotterdam 3-0. Robbert Kemperman got them up and running before Martijn Havenga – who announced he would finish up with the club at the end of this season – scored the next in the 25th minute.
Mats Gruter completed the win with 10 minutes to go. Bloemendaal meet Den Bosch at home in the second leg on Saturday at 2pm before Kampong host Rotterdam at 4pm.
Michelle Fillet’s first half penalty corner was all that stood between Amsterdam’s women and SCHC in their first leg at Bilthoven following a tight match-up. Anne Veenendaal made some strong corner saves in the first half to preserve their 1-0 win and give them the advantage going into the second of their best of three ties.
Frédérique Matla’s second half hat trick powered Den Bosch to a 4-0 win over hdm who were making their debut in the playoffs. A close first half ended scoreless with the hosts repelling six Den Bosch corners but the EHL champions soon found their rhythm.
Matla’s trio of corners – in the 42nd, 56th and 62nd minutes – put them in the clear and Noor Omrani’s close range tip-in completed the victory.
Saturday’s second legs are both at 12pm with Amsterdam hosting SCHC and Den Bosch welcoming hdm.