English league handball has officially returned, with highlights from the first round of matches including champions NEM Hawks getting off to a winning start, and Nottingham’s victory over Birmingham Bisons.
The Hawks Men’s team beat Liverpool 28-22 in their first EHA Premier Handball League North match played at Greenbank Sports Academy, with Nottingham beating Birmingham 32-22 and Loughborough overcoming Manchester-Trafford 20-16. In the South, last season’s runners-up Olympia also won, overcoming Islington 21-18 at Leyton Score.
In the Women’s Northern Premier League, NEM Hawks, who reached the final of last season’s Final 4, also beat their Liverpool rivals 21-20, with Loughborough and Nottingham also picking up wins. In the South, London GD beat Northampton 35-20, with the two other fixtures – including champions Olympia facing Cambridge – rescheduled to later in the month.
Elsewhere, the regional leagues also returned – with action taking place across the Women’s Regional South; and Men’s Regional North, South 1, South 2 (West and Central) and South 2 (East).
Matt Durber, England Handball’s Club and Competitions Officer, said: “Anticipation and excitement has been building for weeks ahead of the new season starting, so it’s a great feeling to see that league handball is back.
“The opening weekends showcased some incredibly exciting matchups, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing year.
“On behalf of everyone at England Handball, I’d like to wish the best of luck to all clubs competing this season.”
The next round of matches will be played on the weekend of October 21/22.
To see the full list of results from the opening round of matches, and up to date league tables, visit the dedicated Match Centre on the England Handball website.
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