De Zaan was dominant in their Dutch Cup Final victory this weekend, defeating the reigning champions, the Ede Polar Bears, convincingly by a margin of 13-7.
There was no doubt that De Zaan was the favourites coming into the clash, and there was little chance that there would be any other outcome than Mick van den Bree’s team lifting the silverware after a second-quarter onslaught saw them jump four goals ahead and lead by five goals at halftime (8-3).
While only one place separates the two sides in the Eredivisie, Zaan is ten points ahead of their counterparts from Ede. As it stands, the side from Zaandam is much further ahead in their progression, with a team filled with more quality, and more experience.
For De Zaan, this weekend’s cup win takes their total KNZB silverware tally to three, lifting the same trophy back in 2021, having not previously gained the honour since 1993.
ZV De Zaan 13 – 7 Polar Bears (4-3, 4-0, 3-2, 2-2)
De Zaan: E. Alander, L. Rogge 1, L. den Ouden, M. Schaap 2, T. Sam 3, E. Roijen 1, S. Vleeshakker, M. Koopman 3, D. Sap 1, K. Joustra, M. van Tol, B. Rogge 1, B. van den Dobbelsteen.
Polar Bears: L. van Holland, L. Moolhuijzen 2, J. Oort 2, A. de Koeijer, N. van de Geijn, S. Willemsen 1, L. Schinkel 2, S. Slot, A. Roekevisch, F. Voorouw, T. van der Elst, F. Ingels, F. Broere
De Zaan’s Maxine Schaap wasted no time in getting her team off to a flying start, scoring two quick goals to put them ahead. However, Polar Bears’ Storm Willemsen and Laura Schinkel refused to be intimidated, and they responded with some fantastic play to draw level with De Zaan.
But it was Takyiwa Sam who was the star of the show for De Zaan, scoring three goals in the second quarter to help her team establish an 8-3 lead at the halftime intermission.
Despite Polar Bears’ best efforts in the second half, De Zaan remained in control throughout, with goals from Dutch national team members Bente Rogge and Maud Koopman putting the game out of reach. A late surge from Polar Bears saw them score two consolation goals via Laura Schinkel and Lola Moolhuijzen, but it was too little, too late.
Previous Winners
2023 – De Zaan
2022 – Polar Bears
2021 – De Zaan
2020 – Cancelled
2019 – Polar Bears
2018 – ZVL-1886
2017 – UZSC
2012-2016 – ZVL-1886
2011 – GZC Donk
2010 – Het Ravijn
2009 – Polar Bears
2006-2008 – Het Ravijn
2005 – GZC Donk
2002-2004 – Polar Bears
2001 – GZC Donk
1999 – Het Ravijn
1998 – GZC Donk
1995-1997 – Het Ravijn
1994 – GZC Donk
1993 – Alliance
1988-1992 – GZC Donk
1987 – De Vuursche
1986 – Laga/Diana
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