Põlva Serviti Edge Out Hc Cocks in Thrilling Match

October 4, 2025

Põlva Serviti continued their strong home form with a dramatic 28–27 victory over Finnish powerhouse HC Cocks in a Baltic Handball League thriller on Saturday evening. The Estonian champions built an early lead, weathered a fierce second-half comeback, and secured the win with a late strike from Ülljo Pihus to the delight of the home crowd in Põlva.

First Half: Serviti Dominate Early Exchanges

Põlva Serviti set the tempo from the opening whistle. After Jurgen Rooba opened the scoring in the second minute, the home side quickly surged ahead thanks to a dynamic offensive display.
By the 10-minute mark, Serviti led 6–2 following a pair of goals from Stanislav Kholodiuk, who was unstoppable throughout the first period. Ülljo Pihus added two quick strikes of his own, forcing an early timeout from the visitors.

Despite efforts from Miika Kaukoranta and Santeri Vainionpää, Cocks struggled to contain Serviti’s variety in attack. The hosts extended their advantage to 12–6 after 18 minutes through another Kholodiuk effort, and went into the break with a comfortable 15–11 lead.

Second Half: Cocks Fight Back

HC Cocks came out revitalized in the second half, with Calle Almander taking command. The Swedish sharpshooter scored five second-half goals, including three from the seven-meter line, to bring the Finnish side back into contention.

By the 48th minute, Cocks had turned the tide, taking their first lead at 23–24 through Vainionpää. The visitors continued to press, and a goal from Niko Hållman gave them a narrow 24–26 advantage with eight minutes to play.

Dramatic Finish: Serviti Seal It Late

With the game hanging in the balance, Serviti showed the resilience that has made them a Baltic League contender for years. Tõnis Kase and Carl-Eric Uibo both found the net to level the score before the match entered its final tense minutes.

In the 58th minute, Rooba calmly converted a crucial seven-meter throw to tie the game at 27–27. Then, with just over a minute remaining, Ülljo Pihus struck the decisive goal to restore Serviti’s lead at 28–27. Cocks had one final possession, but Hållman’s last-second attempt sailed wide, sealing a memorable victory for the Estonian side.

Top Performers

Põlva Serviti

• Stanislav Kholodiuk – 7 goals (100% efficiency), dominant throughout both halves
• Ülljo Pihus – 5 goals, including the match-winner
• Jurgen Rooba – 5 goals, key leadership and precision from the seven-meter line

HC Cocks

• Calle Almander – 8 goals (3/3 from seven meters), led the second-half rally
• Santeri Vainionpää – 5 goals, relentless attacking presence
• Teemu Tamminen – 4 goals, consistent threat from the left wing

Key Moments

• 10th minute: Serviti surge to a 6–2 lead after Kholodiuk’s second goal.
• 35th minute: Cocks’ Vainionpää and Almander spark a comeback to narrow the gap to 16–14.
• 48th minute: HC Cocks take the lead for the first time at 23–24.
• 58th minute: Rooba’s penalty equalizes at 27–27.
• 59th minute: Pihus nets the decisive 28–27 strike.