Dominant Dragūnas Overpower Granitas-Karys 39:33 in Klaipėda Derby

October 4, 2025

HC Dragūnas Klaipėda continued their strong form in the Baltic Handball League, claiming a convincing 39:33 (20:12) victory over local rivals Granitas-Karys in front of their home supporters. The win consolidates Dragūnas’ reputation as one of the most efficient offensive units in the competition, led by the outstanding performance of Tomas Draksas, who scored 7 goals, including three from the seven-meter line.

First Half: Dragūnas Take Control Early

The match opened with intensity from both sides, but it was Dragūnas who quickly seized control. After early goals from Daniil Plakhotin and Laurynas Simonavičius, the hosts built momentum behind precise execution from the penalty line by Tomas Draksas, who converted three seven-meter shots in the opening 20 minutes.

By the 15-minute mark, Dragūnas had established a 10:8 lead, and a string of goals from Lukas Juškėnas, Deividas Virbauskas, and Filip Hrnjak helped widen the gap. Granitas struggled with missed opportunities—particularly from top scorer Simas Butkus, who failed to convert several key chances.

A 7–1 run before halftime, capped by Arvydas Bučius’ strike at the buzzer, gave Dragūnas a commanding 20:12 lead at the break.

Second Half: Granitas Fight Back, But Dragūnas Stay Composed

Granitas-Karys came out stronger after halftime, led by Simas Butkus (11 goals) and Benediktas Labutis (6 goals), narrowing the deficit to six midway through the second period. However, every time Granitas threatened to close the gap, Dragūnas responded decisively.

Filip Hrnjak and Vasyl Havryliuk were particularly effective in transition, both finishing with 5 goals apiece. Emmanuel Gustavo Ferreira Paiva added crucial strikes from the left wing, maintaining momentum for the hosts.

Despite multiple two-minute suspensions in the final quarter, Dragūnas’ depth and discipline ensured there was no late drama. Draksas sealed the victory with his seventh goal in the 59th minute, closing the match at 39:33.

Key Performers

HC Dragūnas Klaipėda:

• Tomas Draksas – 7 goals (3/3 from 7m), decisive offensive leader
• Vasyl Havryliuk – 5 goals, high impact in the second half
• Filip Hrnjak – 5 goals, strong finishing and movement off the ball
• Laurynas Simonavičius – 4 goals, key in establishing early lead

Granitas-Karys:

• Simas Butkus – 11 goals (4/6 from 7m), tireless effort despite missed chances
• Benediktas Labutis – 6 goals, consistent threat from backcourt
• Gustas Rinkevičius – 6 goals, efficient finishing on the wing

Turning Point

The decisive phase came between the 15th and 25th minutes of the first half, when Dragūnas went on a 10:2 scoring run, taking full advantage of Granitas’ offensive errors and two-minute suspensions. That surge gave the hosts an eight-goal cushion they never relinquished.