SCHC and Den Bosch served up a thriller on the Hoofdklasse’s return as they drew 3-3 in Bilthoven, showing the excitement they will bring to the ABN AMRO EHL FINAL8 in April.

Corners were the order of the day with Yibbi Jansen scoring at the start and the end while Sanne Koolen also struck on the double on a day Frédérique Matla when returned after injury.

Jansen broke the deadlock in the second minute but international team mate Koolen levelled quickly and there was an element of déjà vu when the defender slapped in once more. 

SCHC fought back before half-time with Pien Dicke striking on her backhand from a long corner move – 2-2 at half-time.

The hosts seemed to be making most of the running but they were unable to make the most from their chances while Den Bosch took what came their way. Pien Sanders finished off a variation to put the Brabant club in front once more, 3-2 in the final quarter.

But Jansen dragged home her 14th goal of the season three minutes from time to continue SCHC’s remarkable unbeaten run of 36 games without a loss in the regular league season.

SCHC remain top of the table but the gap was cut to one point by AH&BC Amsterdam who won 3-1 at HGC on Saturday evening. Den Bosch are in third, three points off SCHC but with an extra game played.