San Fernando’s Catalan Double: Bottom Side Face Two Away Days in Two Days
Some weekends test a team. This one tests CH San Fernando’s survival hopes.
The bottom side in DHB Group 1 have one point from nine games, and now they face a Catalan double: away at Real Club de Polo on Saturday, then away at Iluro HC in Mataró on Sunday morning. Two away days, two days, and no margin for error.
Last Sunday summed up their season. At home to Vallés Esportiu, they took the lead through a Pepe Hurtado penalty corner, and then lost 2-1 to a last-minute winner from Álex Aymerich. That’s the kind of defeat that stays with a team. Lead at home, three points in sight, and nothing to show for it.
Now they go to Pedralbes on Saturday at noon to face Polo, and then to Mataró on Sunday at 10:00am to face Iluro. Neither game is winnable on paper, and that’s the problem. San Fernando need points from somewhere, and the fixtures aren’t getting any kinder.
At the top of Group 1, the race is just as tight. RC Jolaseta lead on 24 points, Vallés Esportiu are a point behind on 23, and Real Sociedad 1927 are third on 19. Vallés’ win at San Fernando last weekend kept them right on Jolaseta’s heels, and Aymerich’s last-minute winner might be the goal their season turns on.
The DHB has thrown up goals all season. In Jornada 9, Castelldefels’ women won a ninth straight game, Biel Roca scored four in a game, and Peio Garate and Pau Galy both hit hat-tricks. This is a league where the bottom side can still hurt you, and San Fernando have shown they can score. Hurtado’s penalty corner last weekend is proof of that.
For our money, one point from this double would be a result. Two would be a triumph. But San Fernando can’t keep waiting for the fixtures to turn. At some point, a team with one point from nine games has to win a game it isn’t supposed to win, and this weekend gives them two chances to do exactly that.
DHB Jornada 10 fixtures, CH San Fernando: Saturday 14 November, 12:00pm CET (4:00pm PKT) — Real Club de Polo v CH San Fernando, Pedralbes. Sunday 15 November, 10:00am CET (2:00pm PKT) — Iluro HC v CH San Fernando, Mataró.
