HC Cocks Overcome Viljandi HC 32–26

October 6, 2025

HC Cocks secured an impressive 32–26 away victory over Viljandi HC in a spirited Baltic Handball League encounter on Sunday afternoon. Despite a tight first half that ended 11–10 in favor of HC Cocks, the Finnish side displayed superior depth and composure in the closing stages to pull clear and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Tight Opening Half

Viljandi HC began brightly, matching Cocks goal-for-goal in a fast-paced first half. Andrii Basarab was a key figure early, scoring four times to give the home crowd reason to cheer. At one stage, Viljandi led 5–4 before Yury Lukyanchuk and Santeri Vainionpää sparked a Cocks mini-run that restored the visitors’ advantage.

Goalkeeper interventions and disciplined defending kept the scoreline narrow, with both teams missing key opportunities in front of goal. The half-time whistle sounded with Cocks narrowly ahead, 11–10, after a late strike from Niko Hållman.

Second Half: Cocks’ Firepower Decides the Contest

The second period saw the visitors’ attacking rhythm click into gear. Veteran scorer Teemu Tamminen led from the front, netting eight goals and proving unstoppable from the left wing. His precision shooting, combined with Calle Almander’s clinical seven-meter execution (two successful penalties, six goals overall), helped Cocks gradually build a decisive lead.

Viljandi HC fought valiantly to stay in touch, led by Hendrik Koks (6 goals), Ott Varik (5 goals, including two from penalties), and Johannes Pertelson (3 goals). A 22–22 tie in the 49th minute suggested a potential upset, but HC Cocks responded decisively with a 10–4 run to close out the game.

Cocks’ balanced offense saw contributions from Roni Syrjälä (5 goals) and Vainionpää (4 goals), while Roope Ahlgren provided key strikes during the final stretch. Defensively, the team absorbed Viljandi’s pressure and capitalized on turnovers to seal the 32–26 win.

Key Moments

• 16th minute: Cocks opened a two-goal lead (7–5) after consecutive strikes by Lukyanchuk.
• 49th minute: Ott Varik converted a penalty to level the game at 22–22 — Viljandi’s last equalizer.
• Final 10 minutes: Cocks finished strongly, outscoring Viljandi 10–4 behind Tamminen and Almander’s finishing.

Top Performers

HC Cocks:

• Teemu Tamminen – 8 goals (Top Scorer, Player of the Match)
• Calle Almander – 6 goals (2/2 from 7m)
• Roni Syrjälä – 5 goals
• Santeri Vainionpää – 4 goals

Viljandi HC:

• Hendrik Koks – 6 goals
• Ott Varik – 5 goals (2/2 from 7m)
• Andrii Basarab – 4 goals
• Sten Maasalu and Kristo Voika – 3 goals each