Tilburg has lost its leading position in the Men’s Promotion Class. Coach Dennis Dijkshoorn’s team lost 1-2 to SCHC at home during the eighth round. Victoria’s win over Voordaan (1-0) means the Rotterdam team takes over first place in the rankings.
SCHC smells the top three for the first time this season. Against Tilburg, the Bilthoven team took the lead halfway through the second quarter through a goal by Under 18 player Ivo van Dommelen. Just before half time, Tilburg had the chance to equalize, but Jasper van der Looy’s penalty shot went over the goal.
Jasper van der Looy is disappointed about his missed penalty shot. Photo: Rogier Balk
In the second half it was a hit for the Brabant former leader. A second before the end of the third quarter, Pim Haring dragged the ball behind SCHC goalkeeper Fritz Schnoeckel. The signal for both teams to start the hunt for the winning goal. That came from the away team. SCHC’s Spanish ace, Roger Figa, entered the circle from the right and lofted the ball high.
Joy at SCHC after Roger Figa’s 1-2 (right). Photo: Rogier Balk
Shortly afterwards, the same Figa had to be given a yellow card, while Tilburg took goalkeeper Sander van Berkel to the side. Two penalty corners in a row in the closing seconds of the match provided the home team with the ultimate opportunity to score a draw, but without success. This means that Tilburg is now second, one point behind leader Victoria and one point ahead of Nijmegen and SCHC.
Xenios still ingloriously at the bottom
Xenios was close to a point or even the first win of the season against Almere. At home they took a 3-2 lead in the third quarter. Coach Basten Pels’ team could not enjoy this virtual victory for long. First, youth international Isaac Jozefzoon scored his second goal of the day. Six minutes before the end, Manuel Verga also scored a goal for the second time in the match. As a result, Almere rises to eighth place in the rankings, while Xenios currently finds itself ingloriously at the bottom of the rankings with one point.
