The fierce rivalry between Wisla Plock and Industria Kielce culminated in a Plock triumph in the first league duel of 2024/25. The ”holy war” was a suitable name for the Sunday event, where the referee showed 21 two-minute penalties and Plock won by 29–25.
The reigning champion defeated the runner-up, in fact it was the fifth win in a row for Plock against the title competitor.
A lot of emotions accompanied the tough clash, which offered more than handball. The penalties arrived early and the temperature was high as both coaches interacted verbally with the referees. The first half also contained a red and a blue card. Jorge Maqueda in Kielce and Stefan Terzic from Plock interacted in rough fashion and the spanish veteran had to leave the game permanently.
Soon thereafter Kielce had a chance to equalize Plock´s early lead but the home team kept the advantage. Mirko Alilovic´s saves and the turn-over setups for Mitja Janc worked well for Plock, but Kielce could have been closer than 18–14 at half-time due to several seven metre mistakes.
Kielce pushed on and Alex Dujshebaev took the guests back to equal position with 23 all. However, Alilovic´s alert goalkeeping and the much better penalty throw accuracy by Plock became a deciding factor. Michal Daszek dispersed the last doubt and put both 28–25 and 29–25 in the net.
With two games more completed Kielce keeps the first position. But Wisla Plock´s undefeated conclusion – six out of six so far – will soon threaten the leading team.
Wisla Plock–Industria Kielce 29–25 (18–14)