Kolstad to a new playoff final

(Drammen – Kolstad 23–28) Kolstad is on course to defend the triple title in Norwegian handball.

Kolstad secured a place in the final after they got a five-goal victory in the return meeting with Drammen. Kolstad also won the first game 32-26 at home.

Drammen seemed to be hooked too well when they were behind by eight goals in the second half, but Kristian Kjelling’s men still managed to create excitement.

Towards the end, they were almost at 21-24. Many missed shots from Kolstad contributed to that.

The away team led 14-12 at half-time. Shortly before the break, Drammen’s key player August Storbugt received a red card shortly after that Sander Sagosen thundered on the floor.

TV 2’s handball expert Bent Svele thought the referee’s decision was absolutely correct.

– The pictures don’t lie. In my eyes, it is a clear red card, Svele said live.

Drammen coach Kristian Kjelling had a completely different view on the matter.

– It’s a ridiculous red card. He runs into him, and of course it’s a two-minute. But with a red card, we are out in foul play and terrible things. It’s a shoulder that hits him, Kjelling told TV 2 during the break.

– I understand that it hurts poor Sander who gets it in the face. Red card is certainly correct in many ways. But when we have the physical level we are at here, I think it will be stupid, continued Kjelling.

ØIF Arendal take on Elverum in the second semi-final on Tuesday after narrowly losing the away game 35-36.

Also read: Handball WC: Lost one million