Hockey players Groningen almost safe. Life preservation at the second highest level in the Netherlands seems to be in sight

Groningen started well on Sunday afternoon at the Harener Holt against the strong Victoria from Rotterdam. After just seven minutes of play, Floks van der Beek gave the home team the lead. The striker played an opponent and scored with the backhand.

In the second quarter, Groningen lost control of Victoria and the guests deservedly drew level. In the equal third quarter, the only 18-year-old Isa ‘Bob’ Rentema scored her first competition goal for Groningen.

‘We’re not there yet’

In the last quarter, Groningen had the better of the game, but coach Julian Steen’s team could not express this in a score. Victoria scored a goal, ending the match 2-2.

With three matches left to play, Groningen has a five-point lead in the play-out spots. This means that Groningen seems assured of another year in the promotion class, the second highest hockey level in the Netherlands. Coach Steen doesn’t want that yet. “We’re not there yet. We still have to get results in the last matches to play safely. However, the way we played hockey against Victoria does give us confidence.”