SCHC will look to carry through their incredible form into their tie against HDM on Saturday (15.30 CET)  following their marquee win over AH&BC Amsterdam last Sunday.

A poacher’s goal from Ginella Zerbo saw them snatch a 3-2 result and make it eight wins out of eight, moving three points clear of Amsterdam for the first time in the campaign.

It was a suitably high quality topper that matched the hype from the start, Sabine Plönissen’s flat shot taken off the line by Renée van Laarhoven beautifully early on. In reply, Mette Winter clipped a shot off the post.

Amsterdam went in front in the 13th minute when they pinched possession with Maria Verschoor playing the ball to Freeke Moes who picked up the pieces to score past Alexandra Heerbaart.

Yibbi Jansen equalised with a trademark drag-flick for 1-1 at half-time, a scoreline which stayed in place into the final quarter when Jansen whipped in her second goal of the day for the lead.

Amsterdam bounced back with recently crowned FIH World Player of the Year Felice Albers reacting sharply following a great move from Stella van Gils, sweeping in for 2-2. 

But the winner arrived within a minute with Xan de Waard’s delicious ball into the circle galling to Pien Dicke and onto Zerbo. It was still a tricky chance but she chipped the ball into the air and behind Anne Veenendaal and then touched in with her second touch before Floor de Haan could get across.

It was a significant win to put daylight between them and the chasers with four rounds of games before Christmas. 

Den Bosch are eight points back after a 2-0 win over Rotterdam while Pinoké are up to fourth after a 2-1 victory against Bloemendaal. Pinoké host Den Bosch on Sunday.