First day Europa cup has no surprises

In Warszawa, Poland, the first day of the 2012 Europa Cup of national champions has no surprises in the results. All favorites of this first day with the new system with twelve participants won their games, some easier than others.

The Catalan champion Vallparadis, maybe the last champion from Spain to act as Catalan champion, now that korfball has revived again in the Malaga area, had a tight game against Prievidza Dolphins from Slovakia. During the first half CK Vallparadis secured a four goal lead. Prievidze pressed on in the second half and got closer, but in the end the final result is back to four points, 19-15. A slight disappointment from the Catalan side after the strong performance of the Catalan national squad in China.

Portuguese champion NC Benfica had no problems at all with the recreational squad of Bonson, France. A simple victory and a relaxed opener for Benfica, 36-6.

Turkish champion Ankara University has a good first half against England champion Trojans, with a three goal margin at half time. A strong phase in the beginning of the second half is the basis of the clear 19-10 victory for Trojans, with Tony woodvine as top scorer.

The Russian mixed squad playing under the name of HSS State university has a very strong start against the hosts, Warszawa Mega Sports from Poland. It takes a 0-6 lead from the Russians and a penalty in the thirteenth minutes to have the Polish score. During the whole first half, HSS State keeps the clear lead. In the second half the Polish motor starts running better and they stay more up to par with the Russians. A clear 18-27 victory for the Russians, that luckily don't have to use their few substitutes for serious matters.