Barnbach/K. took their first steps in the Austrian Handball Liga with a 25:30 win at Achsersdorf on Friday evening. The match, played at 17:30 local time, gave the visitors their opening points of the season. For Achsersdorf, who sat 12th in last season's table, it was a difficult start to their campaign at home.
Both sides entered the fixture with nothing to play for in terms of the current standings — zero games, zero points, zero of everything. By then, the positions from the previous season carried more weight than what the table would show after this opening round. Barnbach/K. had finished seventh last time around.
The visitors kept their side in it from the opening whistle and found a way through when it mattered. They saw it out with composure, picking up two goals worth of margin to make the result comfortable. To be fair, Achsersdorf did not travel to make up the numbers — they had their moments, but one mistake ends it in this league.
Recent form from previous seasons suggests both teams are still finding their rhythm. Achsersdorf's last five outings included losses to HSG Graz and Gössweiner, while Barnbach/K. had mixed results on their travels. This result extends their winning run from last campaign and sends a message.
The scoreline reflects a game Barnbach/K. controlled without dominating possession. They picked up two bookings in five minutes at one stage but kept their discipline when it counted. Achsersdorf will look to improve when they next take to the floor.