Because of a 6-1 win over two video games towards playoff debutant Pinoké, the SCHC girls certified for the ultimate of the nationwide title for the fourth time in a row final weekend. The resounding 0-5 in Amstelveen made the return in Bilthoven appear to be a formality. The 1-1 draw that adopted Sunday was a small blemish on the general image, however no one was actually nervous about that for the assured Stichtsche. ‘I’ve all respect for Den Bosch, however we’re going to win the title recreation.’
After the second recreation, you can style slight disappointment among the many supporters alongside the road. Many had seemed ahead, after the monster rating in Amstelveen – the most important in SCHC’s playoff historical past – to a repeat efficiency on house soil. However Pinoké, with its knife between its enamel, certainly not gave in. The workforce recovered handsomely, performed with bravura and repeatedly compelled SCHC again into their very own half.
It may even have resulted in a uncommon defeat for SCHC. Maria Steensma put Pinoké forward and a stunt appeared within the making. Till Trijntje Beljaars levelled the rating within the closing phases, defusing the opening aim.
Pleasure for Trijntje Beljaars After Her Late Equalizer In opposition to Pinoké. Photograph: Rob Römer.
No grumpiness
‘We all know we will do higher and that we have now to do higher,’ Van Hesteren stated in regards to the 1-1 draw towards Pinoké. ‘However you’ll be able to’t at all times be high. If on this playoff system you win the primary recreation of the semifinals 5-0, it’s logical that you simply play rather less sharp within the return. With us it was ten % lower than regular, individually but additionally in ensemble play. However no one went house grumpy. In two video games we win 6-1. Tremendous. And the truth that it’s chafing a bit now’s perhaps a very good factor.’
Even Trijntje Beljaars, the maker of the 1-1 – SCHC’s a hundredth aim this season – didn’t have a nasty feeling in regards to the level tie. ‘Pinoké confirmed in that second recreation why they’re within the playoffs. They confirmed good subject hockey. We had our possibilities, however didn’t capitalize on them. However that we pulled our goalie apart 4 minutes earlier than time and nonetheless compelled a aim, that provides a very good feeling.’
The gamers of SCHC thank the 1,300 spectators after the 1-1 draw towards Pinoké. Photograph: Rob Römer.
Holding gamers in a single piece
SCHC’s focus within the return was on staying injury-free and sustaining rhythm, not essentially on pushing by way of the rating. Marleen Jochems was spared as a precaution, Yibbi Jansen made fewer minutes than regular and younger Nanieck Mengelberg received a style of the massive time. Fifteen-year-old expertise Lotte Ruts was additionally given a brand new position, on the left aspect of the sector.
‘Sunday was not about profitable,’ Van Hesteren defined. ‘Some folks alongside the road could not like that, however in the long run it’s about rising and creating, making an attempt new issues. Taking a goalie to the aspect and forcing possibilities and penalty corners in overtal. After which additionally switching again as a workforce. If we at all times do precisely what we agreed beforehand, we turn out to be predictable. For ourselves, however definitely additionally for the opponent.’
The place in earlier seasons the workforce typically seemed unsure after a lesser recreation, this 12 months SCHC is completely different. One which seemingly effortlessly bounces again. ‘We don’t get caught in the truth that we didn’t win that second recreation. The boldness is just too excessive for that,’ harassed Beljaars, who’s leaving for Amsterdam after this season.
Trijntje Beljaars Steams Up Between Pinoké Gamers Marloes Timmermans (Left) and Elin van Erk. Photograph: Rob Römer
Tease the Bosch
And that confidence is required, as a result of within the ultimate Den Bosch awaits as soon as once more. The everlasting tease. The membership that defeated SCHC 4 instances earlier than in a ultimate: in 2014, 2015, 2022 and 2024. Solely in 2023 was it Amsterdam that put a line by way of the title ambitions of the Bilthoven workforce.
For Van Hesteren, who misplaced solely three official matches this season with SCHC (all three towards Den Bosch), the mission is evident. ‘If you wish to turn out to be champion, you need to try this towards one of the best,’ he states. ‘In reality, Den Bosch has been one of the best workforce each time lately. We’re the hunters. We’re hungry to turn out to be champions. I grant it to the women from the underside of my coronary heart. They’ve the standard, the ambition, they provide all the things. And I see change in conduct: we’re taking part in with guts and with confidence.
His phrases, additionally spoken earlier after the elimination towards Den Bosch within the EHLdon’t sound like empty hopes, however like a promise. ‘I’ve each respect for Den Bosch, however we’re going to win the title recreation. If we doubt that, it’s not going to occur anyway.’
