The hockey players of Amsterdam became national champions for the 22nd time in club history on Thursday. The Amsterdam team defeated Kampong from Utrecht after shoot-outs. In the women’s division, Den Bosch prolonged their national title.
Kampong was too strong for Amsterdam on Sunday with 4-3, giving the Utrecht team a lead to defend in the Wagener Stadium. That lead was extended within four minutes by Jip Janssen.
With that, Kampong was well on its way to prolonging the national title, but just after halftime, Boris Burkhardt and Floris Middendorp scored for Amsterdam. That tied the score over two games, and shoot-outs were needed to crown a national champion.
Amsterdam won the shoot-outs, securing the 22nd national title for the Amsterdam team. A field invasion followed by hundreds of supporters to celebrate the first title in thirteen years. Amsterdam is now, together with Bloemendaal, the record holder for the number of national championships (22x).
Hockey players Den Bosch prolong title
In the women’s division, shoot-outs were also needed to crown a champion. The first final match between SCHC and Den Bosch had ended 1-1 in Bilthoven on Saturday. On Thursday, both teams in Den Bosch again did not get beyond 1-1. Rosa Fernig made it 1-0 for Den Bosch, but Elzemiek Zandee equalized for the visitors.
Thus, shoot-outs had to determine who would be crowned national champion. Den Bosch won the shoot-outs with 4-3, winning their second national title in a row. Last year, Den Bosch also became champion at the expense of SCHC.
For Den Bosch, it is the 23rd national title in club history. The Brabant club is a record champion and, thanks to this title, is moving slightly away from number two Amsterdam (21 national titles). SCHC has never won the title.