After several seasons where the Regional League was contested as a tournament, Herceg Novi finally experienced a match involving the titans of former Yugoslavia – and it was indeed a thrilling derby.

Jadran m:tel and Mladost from Zagreb kicked off the new season of the regional Premier League with an outstanding clash, concluding with a Montenegrin victory at 11:9 after an exhilarating 32 minutes.

Although it’s just the first round, this match, similar to the recent Champions League qualifier, suggests that Vladimir Gojković has assembled a team capable of achieving great success, especially considering Mladost’s recent reinforcements as one of the region’s top contenders…

“This is a promising indicator of our form and team chemistry – I remain hopeful for the rest of the season,” stated Matija Sladović, a young water polo player from Škver.

The first quarter showcased an exceptional performance, while a less impressive second quarter marked the first half at Škver.

In the opening minutes, Novljan was on the score sheet from all angles, with Aleksandar Ivović, Jovan Vujović, Dmitrij Holod, Danilo Stupar, and Radović all on target, leading Jadran to a 5:2 advantage after eight minutes.

Thanks to the remarkable goals from Vasilij Radović, Gojković’s squad maintained a three-goal lead (7:4) in the second quarter until three minutes before the half, where a series of errors allowed the rivals to come back into contention. After a mistake by Vuk Milojević, the “toads” closed the gap to 7:6 before halftime.

Goals were scarce in the second half, and following a strike from Josip Vrlić at the end of the third quarter, Mladost finally leveled the match at 7:7. However, Jadran quickly responded with another sensational goal from Ivović, regaining the lead.

Following impressive goals from Uroš Vučurović and Matija Sladović, the team from Škver pushed ahead by two (10:8), and when Mladost posed a threat, Jadran answered back with a goal from Holod, coupled with outstanding defense from Darko Đurović, sealing the victory.

Holod, Ivović, and Vasilije Radović each scored two goals for Jadran, while Vučurović, Vujović, Danilo Radović, Saldović, and Stupar found the net once for Mladost.

For Mladost, Andrija Bašić, Franko Lazić and Ivan Buljubasic each contributed two goals.

This year, Primorac also represents Montenegro in the Premier League, and our champions will be competing tomorrow against Novi Belgrade away from home, starting at 19:45.

Premier League, Round 1

Jadran m:tel – Mladost 11:9

Saturday

Jadran ST – Valis (18)

South – Šabac (19)

New Belgrade – Primorac (19:45)

C. star – Solaris (20)

Radnički KG – Primorje (20h)

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