Põlva Serviti Crowned Baltic Champions After Nail-Biting Win Over Dragūnas
April 16, 2025
Põlva Serviti sealed the Baltic Handball League 2024/2025 title in dramatic fashion, edging HC Dragūnas 27:25 in a penalty shootout (24:24 full-time). A second-half comeback and clutch performances saw the Estonian side lift the trophy in Klaipėda.
First Half: Dragunas Dominates Early
HC Dragunas came out firing, taking early control with sharp attacks from Gytis Šmantauskas and Tomas Drakšas, who combined for several early goals. A flurry of missed opportunities from Serviti—particularly from distance—allowed Dragunas to extend their lead to 13–9 by the break, capitalizing on their defensive solidity and clinical finishing.
Second Half Surge: Serviti’s Determined Fightback
Põlva Serviti regrouped strongly after halftime. Led by the explosive Kermo Saksing, who tallied 7 goals, including 3 from the penalty spot, and Jürgen Rooba, who added 6 goals, Serviti mounted a relentless second-half push. A series of consecutive goals saw the Estonians erase the deficit, leveling the game at 24–24 by full time.
Saksing’s confident execution from the 7-meter line and critical strikes from Sander Sarapuu and Henri Sillaste helped Serviti chip away at Dragunas’ lead, while goalkeeper Eston Varusk produced timely stops to keep the home side at bay.
Shootout Drama: Cool Heads Prevail
With the score tied at the end of regulation time, the Baltic Handball League title would be decided by the narrowest of margins—a penalty shootout. The pressure was immense, the stakes even higher. But it was Põlva Serviti who showed nerves of steel when it mattered most. Stepping up to the 7-meter line with calm precision, they converted three of their shots with clinical efficiency. On the other end, HC Dragūnas struggled to find their rhythm. Eston Varusk, the experienced Serviti goalkeeper, stood tall—his presence alone enough to rattle the Lithuanian side. He denied crucial attempts, allowing only one goal past him. As the final throw was saved, Serviti’s bench erupted in celebration, the championship secured through grit, focus, and the unshakable cool of a title-winning team.
