Vipers Kristiansand secured their seventh women’s cup title in a row. A few hours later, Kolstad concluded the prestigious NM weekend with a solid performance in the rerun of last years men’s final.
Norway has succeeded in making the cup a title to fight for, and also reaching out to the handball fans to follow.
Vipers versus Storhamar HB was an intense duel for the first 15 minutes, and then Vipers reduced the space defensively and turned up the heat with attacking combinations.
Anna Vyakhireva opened up opportunities for both herself and the teammates, while Katrine Lunde made a lot of important saves. Vipers had a five-goal-advantage half-way and it became impossible for Storhamar to tighten the game.
Equally international experienced Kolstad wasn’t as productive, since it was all about the win top scorer Simen Ulstad Lyse and playmaker Sander Sagosen joined for a deciding run with 18–11 at the break. Elverum pushed hard with 24–22 and five minutes to go but the Kolstad duo doubled the lead and the challenger had to accept defeat.
NM Finals
Vipers Kristiansand–Storhamar HB 32–23 (17–12)
Kolstad-Elverum 27–23 (18–11)