Granitas-Karys overturn four-goal halftime deficit to defeat HK Ogre/RSU

September 27, 2026

Granitas-Karys produced an impressive second-half comeback to defeat HK Ogre/RSU 33:31 in the Baltic Handball League on Sunday, September 27.

HK Ogre/RSU looked in control at halftime, leading 17:13 after finishing the opening 30 minutes with a strong run. However, Granitas-Karys completely changed the momentum after the break and eventually turned a four-goal deficit into a two-goal victory.

The opening stages were evenly matched, with neither side able to establish a significant advantage. The score remained level several times through the first 20 minutes before HK Ogre/RSU began to take control late in the half.

With the teams tied at 13:13, the home side scored four unanswered goals in the closing minutes. Elvijs Borodovskis, Reinis Zellis and Artis Laganovskis helped Ogre build a 17:13 halftime advantage.

Ogre extended the margin to five immediately after the restart when Raitis Rudko made it 18:13, but Granitas-Karys responded quickly.

The Lithuanian side gradually reduced the deficit, with Mehdi Berry, Simas Butkus, Gerardas Vainauskas and Gytis Zadarnauskas all contributing during a decisive spell. Granitas-Karys drew level at 21:21 before Mantas Gelumbauskas gave the visitors a 22:21 lead.

From that point, the game developed into a tight battle. Ogre repeatedly found ways to equalise, reaching 22:22, 23:23, 24:24 and 25:25, but Granitas-Karys continued to answer.

Goals from Butkus and Vainauskas moved the visitors two ahead at 27:25, and although Ogre remained within striking distance, Granitas-Karys maintained its advantage throughout the final quarter.

With just under eight minutes remaining, Butkus extended the lead to 31:28. Ogre attempted a late comeback and reduced the margin to 32:30 through Artis Laganovskis, but a late goal from Ugnius Saliamoris made it 33:30 and effectively secured the victory before Laganovskis scored the final goal of the match.

Top performers

Mehdi Berry led Granitas-Karys with an outstanding attacking performance, scoring 10 goals from 11 attempts, including all three of his seven-metre throws. Simas Butkus added nine goals from 12 attempts, while Ugnius Saliamoris and Gerardas Vainauskas contributed three goals each.

For HK Ogre/RSU, Raitis Rudko was the leading scorer with nine goals from 12 shots. Gustavs Batņa scored six from seven, while Artis Laganovskis added four goals. Aliaksei Haisa scored three times, including both of Ogre’s successful seven-metre attempts.

Final score: HK Ogre/RSU 31:33 Granitas-Karys
Halftime: 17:13