GRK Ohrid retain Struga trophy with 31-30 win over Vardar
Ohrid edged Vardar 31-30 in a close final at the Struga tournament, after a second-half run and late defensive stops.
GRK Ohrid beat Vardar 31-30 to keep the trophy at the traditional Struga pre-season tournament, after a tight final that produced several momentum swings. The match, played as part of the lead-up to the new domestic season, ended with the Ohrid side holding on by a single goal.
Late saves and missed chances decided the winner
The teams were level through much of the opening half, but Ohrid went into the break ahead 15-13. Early in the second period Vardar responded with a 6-3 run to move in front 18-19, only for Taleski to level the score at 19-19.
Ohrid then manufactured a decisive shift: a three-goal burst put them 25-22 up several minutes after the midway point of the second half, a spell in which Vardar struggled to break through a compact Ohrid defence. Vardar chipped away and reduced the deficit to 25-24, but Ohrid again reached a three-goal margin (27-24) with about eight minutes remaining.
The game stayed tense to the final whistle. At two and a half minutes left Ohrid led 31-28. Valah registered an important save shortly afterwards, and Malus cut the deficit to 31-30 with about a minute to go. Ohrid failed to convert their next attack, but the ball went out and Vardar were unable to finish on the final possession: Chupic ran the last play but could not score, while Slavic finished the match with his 11th save.
Earlier in the placement matches, Prilep claimed third place with a 30-29 victory over Struga. In the battle for fifth spot Dubočica prevailed against Butel Skopje, winning 31-29.
Photo: GRK Ohrid
