Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto fail to recover from first-half collapse

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto have been eliminated in the semi-finals of the Valencian Community Cup by Maristas Algemesi of the Silver Honour Division.

When a team concedes 20 goals in thirty minutes, it is difficult to beat any opponent, and that is what happened today in Algemesi. A 20-14 deficit at half-time made a comeback impossible. Today, Pachi Martí's 6-0 defence was a disaster in every respect against a Maristas Algemesi side that were more motivated, more intense and more accurate. Marcó and Esquer both supplied Botella, who wreaked havoc. Pachi tried every available option, everyone except Plaza, including Malansiskas. To compound matters, Alvarez was shown a red card for striking an opponent in the face.

The play did not improve in the second half, but the defensive attitude did, which, together with individualistic play in attack, allowed them to make the final score more respectable. The highlight of the match was Juan Sebastián's participation despite his mother's death last night—a tremendous display of commitment from the red-and-white goalkeeper.

With this defeat, Pachi Martí has plenty of work to do during the remainder of pre-season, especially ahead of the presentation at the Ovni on the 28th against BM Ciudad Encantada.

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto: Bruixola, Sebastián, Porras, Malansiskas, Bernatonis (4), Rubén Ruiz (2), Victor Alvarez (3), Pocholo (3), Tarrasó (3), Lluna, Sladic (2), Berrios (3), Toni Alegre (1), Nebot (2), Fernández (5), Dukic (1), Roque, Sario, Angel and Del Río.

BM Maristas Algemesi: Guillem, Sales, Arguilas, Borras (3), Botella (8), Moreno (1), Jaume (1), Benito (6), Esquer (6), Lorasque, Pastor (1), Vidal (4), Bueno (3), Sales (1), Ferragut, Marco.

Referees: Bohigas and Castañer (Valencian Federation). Bernatonis, Nebot (2) and Angel were excluded for Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto, while Alvarez was disqualified; for Maristas, Botella, Esquer and Vidal were excluded.

Score at five-minute intervals: 2-2, 5-4, 9-8, 13-8, 16-12, 20-14 Half-time 25-15, 26-19, 27-21, 29-22, 31-25, 34-29 final. Nou de Octubre Sports Hall. Algemesi. 500 spectators

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.