Handball: National League-“No one can stop Rybar!” says coach Philoé |05 May 2008

Both teams had gone into the match unbeaten and in what was expected to be an exciting end-to-end affair, Rybar made it look like a routine fitness drill as they won 30-18.

It was a team effort which got Rybar their fourth consecutive win – leaving them as the only unbeaten side in the women’s league with a maximum 12 points.

As PLS Hurricanes Sisters, who had won their previous four games, could not get their acts together in the second half after having lost the first 8-13, Rybar capitalised on their mistakes to distance themselves.

The Sisters’ cause was not helped by the exclusion of Marie-Claire Chetty (red card for a third two-minute penalty) and Sharon Lionnet (straight red card for making a finger sign to a spectator after being hit with her first two-minute penalty) in the final four minutes.

Vanessa ‘Venos’ Barbé and captain Mirenda Francourt scored eight goals apiece and reigning female player of the year Leona Zacek added seven.

With six goals each, Dania Estico and Juliette Victorin led PLS Hurricanes Sisters in scoring.
Despite losing, the Sisters, coached by Michel Kilindo, stay top in the six-team standings with 13 points after four wins and a loss.

Defending League and Cup double champions Rybar are second with 12 points and they need a win in their next match against APC Sisters to finish the first round unbeaten.

In the day’s other game, former League and Cup double winners Arsu got themselves back in contention for the league title with their third win on the trot after a disastrous start when they lost their first two games to Rybar and PLS Hurricanes Sisters.

Coached by Emmanuel Larue, Arsu collected a 30-24 win over ABS United (half-time score 13-10).
As usual, former female player of the year Thelma Sauzier carried Arsu’s scoring load with 13 goals, while Sherine Félicie top-scored with 12 goals for ABS United despite being shown the red card along with teammate Jennifer Marie.

Arsu have 11 points to move to third place in the standings, while three-time former League and Cup double winners ABS United have nine points.

G. G.