KO4: HC ‘s-Hertogenbosch – SCHC

Match report

Josine Koning’s shoot-out heroics propelled Den Bosch in the women’s ABN AMRO EHL FINAL4 as they won a titanic tussle against Dutch rivals SCHC.

The eventual winners had come out of the blocks the quickest with Noor Omrani’s quick shot on the turn only denied by the inside of the post. The Brabant club put on the early pressure before Xan de Waard started producing some midfield magic and SCHC got a foothold in the contest.

Sanne Koolen did brilliantly to take a Yibbi Jansen shot off the line from a corner drag-flick. They would have the better of a very tight second quarter but glimpses of the goal were hard to come by.

The breakthrough came early in the second half from a corner, Frédérique Matla’s shot was charged down but fell nicely for Laura Nunnink who smashed it into the backboard.

Jansen, however, wiped out the advantage in quick time – her drag this time hit the body of Koolen on the line. She stepped up to score her first EHL goal from the penalty spot.

It continued to be cagey after that. Den Bosch drew the best from Alexandra Heerbaart with a solid double-save while composed blocks inside the p-spot prevented further danger.

At the far end, Mette Winter had a golden chance but she chipped wide on her backhand with two minutes left. Even later on, Winter so nearly unlocked the door with 10 seconds left, her pass to the back post just about eluding the diving Jansen.

Josine Koning’s two early saves had Den Bosch shading the shoot-out from early on as Matla overcame a stroke miss to score her own shoot-out. It meant they lead 3-2 going into the final round. De Waard was initially awarded a stroke but, on video, it was overturned to spark the Den Bosch celebrations.