Bishop’s Stortford Handball Club under-16 girls record 12-7 victory over Chelsea in second round of Regional League

Bishop’s Stortford Handball Club’s under-16 girls recorded a 12-7 victory over Chelsea in the second round of the Regional League.

The win at Aylesbury’s Stoke Mandeville Stadium was part of a double header, with the side earlier losing 23-17 to league leaders West London Eagles.

In the opening encounter, goalkeeper and player-of-the-match Chloe Reeve Pask was outstanding as she saved four penalties and made numerous other stops.

Captain Maddie McNamara-Whittock, whose side were a goal ahead at half time, also excelled in defence and pulled the team together.

Stortford then controlled what was a scrappy contest against Chelsea to earn a comfortable win, with the improving Sophie James deservedly being named player of the match.

James scored 14 goals across the two games with Kayleigh Schollhammer notching six.

Olivia Dimond netted three times, McNamara-Whittock struck twice and there was a goal apiece for Beth March, Orlaith Morris, Leah Pakala and Helena Sriskanthan-Reksa.

Meanwhile, the men’s first team suffered a 32-23 defeat at London GD II in England Handball Regional League South 2 East.

They trailed by six goals at half time, but began the second half with a more aggressive defence and reduced the deficit to four.

However, they lost their momentum due to a number of two-minute suspensions and some mistakes as the hosts pulled clear.

Catalin Gauca top-scored for the visitors with seven goals while Ali Mountassir and Tsvetomir Ivanov netted six and five respectively.

Also on target with one goal apiece were Alfa Bade, David Diogo Robalo, Alexander Lyons, Remus Muntean and Balazs Storch.

Stortford remain top of the table, despite the defeat, and victories in their final two games would see them advance to the promotion play-offs.

The club’s next home fixtures at the Herts and Essex Sports Centre are on Saturday March 1 when the under-14 squads (noon-4pm) and men’s team (4.30pm throw-off) are in action. Spectators are welcome.