Following the University of York’s late withdrawal from both the men’s and women’s England Handball North Regional Leagues, Newcastle Vikings’ players enjoyed a fun yet competitive afternoon of friendly matches on the newly marked-out handball court at Benfield Centre for Sporting Excellence in Newcastle.
Split into Vikings and Superheroes teams, the men and women each played two quick-fire matches.
The Vikings greys extended a narrow 4-3 half-time lead into a strong 12-5 win in the first ladies match, with line-player Sandra Christke-Lamb scoring four goals and back-court players Maren Liane and Alina Inta each scoring three, while Caroline Steinhagen and youngster Alexandra Inta both scored twice for the Superhero greens.
The first men’s game was a closer affair, but eight strikes from half Cedric Le Lay led the Superheroes greys to a 16-13 win, maintaining their three-goal 8-5 half-time advantage. Winger Robert Thompson also scored three, while David Topacho netted five for the Vikings blacks, with pivot Pau Perez scoring three.
In the second women’s match, Inta and Liane struck five and four goals respectively for the Vikings greys, with half Rosa Larcy also adding a treble as they ran out 15-8 victors. Judyta Turulska scored three times for the Superheroes greens.
The final men’s game of the afternoon saw the Vikings blacks gain revenge with a convincing 15-5 victory, led by six strikes from winger Matthew Lamb, with four more from Topacho and three from centre Pablo Docampo. Fedi Bousemma top-scored for the Superheroes greys with two goals.
The players then rounded off the day with an enjoyable evening meal and drinks at our sponsor Kafeneon restaurant in Newcastle city centre. Thank you once again to Dan and the rest of the Kafeneon staff for hosting us.