With a six-point lead over pursuers Rüsselsheim and only two games left, Zehlendorf’s game is actually over. But in order to eliminate the last mathematical uncertainties, the wasps need at least one point in the Berlin derby at the winless MHC, whose return to the regional league is already certain.
Since last week after the play-in of the 1st Bundesliga (with TSV Mannheim as the second relegated team alongside Bremer HC, which had already been determined), two teams from each of the two groups in the second division have had to be relegated. In the south, TG Frankenthal and ATV Leipzig required. Both endangered teams meet on Sunday in Leipzig, after they already have the chance on Saturday to get the necessary points against TuS Obermenzing (ATV) and TuS Lichterfelde (TGF) to stay up in the league. Obermenzing, which itself has not yet been secured, also plays for Lichterfelde. In the games Feudenheimer HC against Nürnberger HTC as well as Rüsselsheimer RK against HG Nürnberg, it’s all about the better position in the final table.
In the North Group, Club Raffelberg was already the winner and first division returnee before Pentecost. It is also clear that HC Essen must return to the regional league after being relegated. On the last two weekends, it’s just a matter of determining the second relegated team. By far the worst cards have Blau-Weiss Köln. With a deficit of five points and only three games to go, the women from Domstadt should be on the right track and their immediate competitors (especially Klipper Hamburg) shouldn’t score many more points. Cologne could get caught this weekend if Hannover 78 and Eintracht Braunschweig don’t have at least four points in their suitcases on the return trip.
On its trip west (Saturday at DSD Düsseldorf, Sunday at Crefelder HTC), Klipper Hamburg will try to maintain its lead on the relegation zone. The Hamburger Polo Club, who have the same opponents as Klipper at the weekend, theoretically need a point to be finally sure.
Master Raffelberg would certainly like to end the second division season undefeated and is challenged in Hanover and Braunschweig. In addition, second-placed Bonner THV plays against relegated Essen.
Photo: Eberhard Tippelt
