A disastrous first half condemns Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto's Youth team

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto suffered a heavy 28-37 defeat against BM Montequinto Monterrero in the first match of Group II of the Final Phase of the Spanish Men's Youth Championship.

The first half by the red-and-whites was utterly disastrous, with a total collapse from practically every player, who were unrecognisable; a succession of errors in attack, steps, double dribbles and shots without options allowed the Sevillians to run comfortably.

Added to that, a soft defence without cover, and the Sevillian combinations, executed with great clarity in both areas, turned the first half into a triumphant stroll for BM Montequinto. Without doing much more than capitalising on the red-and-whites' glaring errors, they pulled away to a commanding 11-20 lead at half-time.

In the second half, the team improved during the first ten minutes. The defence was more intense and, although the attack was not at its best, its quality improved. Sarió, ineffective in the first half, finished more accurately in the second. However, suspensions and poor defensive attitude only allowed them to reduce the deficit to six goals. At that point, Fertiberia reverted to its old ways and Montequinto ended the attempted comeback, restoring the nine-goal margin that ultimately appeared on the scoreboard.

Tomorrow they face the hosts, BM Alcobendas, in their second match. Toni Sarió's players will have to improve considerably if they are to win and reach the final match of the first phase with a chance. It is therefore a key day in the championship, with Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto fighting to keep their competition hopes alive.

Fertiberia Puerto Sagunto: Palacios and Conca. Perales(1), Óscar(2), Marcos, Joel(1), Cubero(3), Alvaro, Asier, Alex (4), Bensach, Cebrián(4), Guillermo(1), Sarió(6) and Machí(6)

BM Montequinto Monterrero: Jimenez(2), Gallardo(1), Serradilla(5), Dorado(1), Torres(3), Deco(4), Meca(2), Perez(1), López(6), Gomez(1), Colchero(5), Mateos(2), Rodriguez, Gómez, Roque and Dominguez(4).

Officials: García and Roy (Navarra). They suspended Guillermo and Sarió for Fertiberia, and Gallardo, Deco and Mateos for BM Montequinto.

Pabellón de los Sueños, Alcobendas. 80 spectators.

Score every five minutes: 3-3,4-8,5-12,7-12,10-16,11-20.Half-time.15-22,19-27,20-31,24-34,27-35,28-37.Final.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.