SG Flensburg-Handewitt received a positive effect after the coach change. The interim trainers Ljubomir Vranjes and Anders Eggert spurred the team to victory, 38–37 versus Füchse Berlin. MT Melsungen visited VfL Gummersbach without dropping the ball, 29–24.
Among the top teams Berlin seemed like a fair chance for Flensburg to bounce back. After the trainer turmoil and a slight change of roles in the squad the home team finished strong for tow points.
Kay Smits and Jim Gottfridsson were two of the players with more to do on the pitch under the new management. Smits used the minutes wisely for seven goals and Gottfridsson was on a good assist mood, throwing in four precise hits as one of the offensive keys.
Berlin pushed hard with the usual suspects, Mathias Geisel ten goals) breaking down defensive barriers with ease.
The guests were two up at half-time and had a taste of bigger margin right after the break. Johannes Golla didn’t allow the match to get out of hand and Flensburg came back to capture the lead with a similar gap.
With less than three minutes to go Berlin equalized, 37–37. Flensburg´s response, 38–37 by Gottfridsson was the final goal of the night and the players cheered for two well-earned points.
From Flensburg´s sixth place there is a five point distance to Melsungen at the very top. Timo Kastening (nine goals) and Erik Balenciaga paved the way for the away win with a late decision. Melsungen pulled away with 7–2 during the final seven minutes and Nebojsa Simic joined the stars of the match with many competent saves.
Bundesliga
SG Flensburg-Handewitt–Füchse Berlin 38–37 (18–20)
VfL Gummersbach–MT Melsungen 24–29 (11–14)