ZZ Leiden turns on and there is a gap with Amsterdam
Without reaching great heights, Leiden easily beat the Amsterdammers. Geert Hammink’s team has a lot of quality to get into trouble against these kinds of teams.
Every now and then against the weaker teams in the Eredivisie can’t hurt at all. But due to the merger with the highest Belgian class, teams like ZZ Leiden are no longer able to realize half of the season on this kind of nonsense. Because that was the confrontation with the capitals, with former ZZ’er Sergio de Randamie in the ranks, surely.
You know that in advance, but we don’t have that, said the coach. That often has the opposite effect. And I think the boys have enjoyed being on the field. It’s more fun than a workout.”
The duel also looked more like a glorified practice session. Hammink tries something out – for example Luuk van Bree started in place of Asbjørn Midgaard – and also gave the youth some more opportunities. Once again Quincy Tjon Affo was able to gain experience alongside a few starters. Also Jamayro de Windt and Kevin Jonathan their complete appearance.
A couple of strong phases, showing how easily ZZ scores when it comes to class, were enough to open one up between the two teams. This time it was Lithuanians Arunas Mikalauskas and Einaras Tubutis who found each other and the basket, but there were plenty of opportunities for everyone.
That then the concentration slackened a bit, was this time. ,,That’s normal,” said Hammink. “Of course I’d rather not. I have both that every attack counts, on sides. But it’s hard to keep going when you’re thirty.”
Leiden, if it had kept its concentration a little longer, could have easily passed the 100-point mark again, just like it did against Bemmel on Sunday. ,,It was reasonable, but could be even better”, said Hammink. “But it wasn’t a wasted day.”
For the first time in years, ZZ will not have a competition around the developments on October 3. The team is free on the weekend. Hammink prepares himself to participate in the tattoo. The coach, who lives in the center of the city, will experience the Leiden holiday for the first time. ,,I’m curious,” he said with a smile. “They are already building everything in my area.”
On Wednesday, October 6, Leiden will play against the Feyenoord of former ZZ-coach Toon van Helfteren.
Amsterdam – ZZ Leiden 58-88
(14-25, 20-23, 9-21, 15-19)
Results ZZ Leiden: Tubutis 16, Dunn 14, Mikalauskas 14, De Jong 13, Van Bree 10, Midtgaard 9, Bouwknecht 5, Thon Affo 5, Ververs 2.