Euro Helvetia revive against Fertiberia BM Puerto in Sagunto

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto were beaten 24–31 by Helvetia Anaitasuna of Pamplona, in a match played at the Ovni this afternoon. A blistering start from Fertiberia did not suggest the collapse that would begin to show signs in the 25th minute. Led in attack by the Lithuanian Bernatonis and with defensive intensity supported by saves from today’s starting goalkeeper Ibrahim Moral, the Valencians took the first lead. It would be their only one, because the Navarrese were not prepared to break the tradition that a new coach brings a guaranteed victory. Juanto’s time-out duly bore fruit, and an unfocused Costoya was replaced by Nadoveza, who, together with Castro, kept the Navarrese attack going. Fertiberia withstood these early surges but showed signs that Helvetia would eventually prevail. An error-strewn end to the first half, with turnovers and decisions going against them, produced the first significant advantage, from 11–11 to the 14–18 half-time score. The second half saw a considerable decline in the red-and-whites’ performance. The start was lethal: a distracted, confused Fertiberia, uncertain about the attacking system to follow, faced the best Anaita, who had by then forgotten their position in the table and delivered what is expected of a squad designed to play in Europe and return the following year. Pachi Martí’s changes stemmed the tide somewhat, and a red-and-white display of fighting spirit brought the match to 22–25 with fifteen minutes remaining. But after another disputed refereeing decision—an excessively long passive-play warning against Anaita—the Basques, Gude, halted the attempted comeback that had brought the Valencians back to within two goals. The attack ended with a Costoya goal, and Fertiberia’s chances of taking anything from the match ended there. Another disappointment for the red-and-white supporters, who used the time-outs to boo the Valencian manager and are increasingly in need of seeing their side win after six matches without a victory. The next opportunity comes next Friday in Zaragoza, against another hungry and desperate Aragón. Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Bruixola, Ibrahim, Bernatonis (5), Ruiz (1), Sladic (4), Pocholo, Tarraso, Sayad, Berrios (1), Pozzer (3), Corzo (6), Toni, Nebot (1), Dukic (3), Angel and Sario. Helvetia Anaitasuna: Gaston (3), Bazan, Garza, Costoya (3), Uriz (2), Del Valle (2), Nadoveza (2), Lorger, Chocarro (2), Goñi (3), P. Inestrosa (4), Ugarte (3), Hernandez, Fernandes (5) and Castro (2) Referees: Carlos Javier Gude Prego and Juan José Gude Prego Suspensions: Fertiberia’s Sasa, Tarraso and Pozzer; Anaitasuna’s Costoya (2) Score at five-minute intervals: 5–2, 6–6, 10–10, 10–11, 12–14, 14–18 Half-time 16–20, 18–23, 22–25, 22–29, 23–30, 24–31 Full-time. Municipal Internucleos Pavilion. Full house. 1,200 spectators

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.