Team Esbjerg ran a risk in an uninspiring first half. The rescue operation against Ludwigsburg HB took the rest of the game and led to equal point distribution with a lot of twist and turns.
A slow start disturbed the home crowd, but the remainder of the first half was even more damaging for the top team. Esbjerg had few solutions except for Henny Reistad´s power shots and fell further and further behind.
Ludwigsburg had a much more confident approach with 20 goals superbly spread over 30 minutes.
Johanna Bundsen provided good saves for the guests and quickly sent the ball ahead. Dorothy Faluvegi moved swiftly on the right wing and Antje Doll used her experience wisely from the opposing angle.
With four wins in the four opening home games, Esbjerg´s tumble was slightly surprising, but the possibility to get within reach soon appeared when the home team increased the pace.
More players got involved in the attacks and Michala Møller was particularly successful in the attempts to close the gap. Reistad returned in full force and Esbjerg was only two goals behind with the final fifteen minutes coming up.
Tension spread but Reistad (eleven goals) didn’t flinch in the deciding moments and increased the chances for Esbjerg with both 28–28 and 29–29. Ludwigsburg scored on penalties and 29–30 by Mareike Thomaier meant at least one point for the German team.
The final minute saw Inge Dekker find the net from the right wing. Ludwigsburg got caught up in the free throw scenario and Anna Kristensen could divide the space with the defense to cut off Ludwigsburg´s last attempt.
REsbjerg gained two positions and makes a temporary appearance as table number one. The winner of Odense HB and Györi ETO KC will lead when the ninth round is completed.
Team Esbjerg–Ludwigsburg HB 30–30 (12–20)