Quiyada get the better of Rayyan

EL QUIYADA, who recently replaced El Jaish from the top of Association Cup standings, maintained their grip with a 34-31 win against Al Rayyan. 

Quiyada increased their tally to 26 points.

In a closely-fought encounter at the Qatar Handball Association Hall last week, the teams were level 16-16 at half-time.

With players on national duty at the ongoing World Championship in France, most clubs had to field second-string teams.

Overseas professional Alexander Kashirin was the standout player for Quiyada as he scored at regular intervals to put pressure on the opposition. Qatari player Shadi Hamdoun gave him good support. 

Former national player Marco Bagaric scored some late goals for Rayyan, but he lacked support. 

Meanwhile, Jaish clung on to the second spot with a thumping 29-12 win against Al Gharafa. The win took their tally to 25 points.

Lekhwiya, 23, remained third despite going down 23-25 to Al Wakrah. 

In other matches, Al Khor beat Al Ahli 26-24, Al Arabi defeated Al Shamal 33-30 and Qatar SC quelled Al Sadd’s challenge 41-35.