Kristianstad HK Orange led the whole game – until Lödde Vikings HK equalized the last second. In the Sudden Death expansion, last year’s champions and Lödde decided defended the Åhus trophy.

The junior classes of the Åhus Beach Handball Festival were contested with a group match where all the teams played each other, then the four best-played A semi-finals.

While Kristianstad went unbeaten in the group stage, Lödde Vikings came second in the group. In the semi-final they beat Borlänge HK after Lödde controlled the whole match. Kristianstad shortened the process with H 65 Höör HK and won 14-7.

When the teams met in the group stage on Friday, Kristianstad won 8-5 – could the team closest to home repeat the win and get revenge for last year’s final defeat? Kristianstad brought several players from their SHE team to the tournament, while Lödde Vikings brought players from the team that won bronze in USM’s last game in early May.

While Kristianstad played the classic side-by-side game with four outfield players, Lödde focused on playing with a mid-six and the western player closest to the substitutes’ bench. Kristianstad quickly took some hold of the game and took a 3-1 lead. Kristianstad’s solid physique delivered results thanks to breakthroughs from Agnes Carlsson and Madicken Håkansson. But Lödde’s quick attacking combinations and support from the stands allowed Elin Håkansson and Li Ramneskog to find their way from central position. Midway through the half, it was tied at 5-5.

Tilda Colleen flew high and shot 6-5 on the long corner and in the next attack Vilma Vinqvist made it 7-5 – Kristianstad had the grip again. When Agnes Carlsson as a West player made it 9-7 and then Lova Jönsson in the Kristianstad goal saved Lödde’s finish with 90 seconds left, there were probably many who believed in the orange win. After a reduction from Lödde with a minute to play, Kristianstad had a long attack where they won the ball twice. When the judges raised their hands, a final finish was taken with 5 seconds left. But the shot was saved and Elin Håkansson was able to equalize just before the final whistle – 9-9 at the end!

Extra time and first goal won – sudden death! Just like the first comeback of the match, Lödde took care of the comeback and got the first attack. There Ida Husby decided with a wide finish and put Lödde Vikings HK 10-9 up. Powerful fighting moves from the red girls of Lödde who win the Åhus trophy for the second year in a row.