Handball: Newcomers Garston are edged out as Liverpool make winning start

Oct 12 2007 by Staff Reporter, Liverpool Daily Post

PROMOTED Speke Garston made their top-flight debut in the British Handball Association only to suffer a 33-17 defeat at Manchester’s Belle Vue.

After winning the Division Two title last season, the Liverpool outfit went into this 2007-08 opening game with optimism and started well, opening up a two goal lead. Manchester then hit back to take a 14-10 lead into half-time.

Speke then turned things round midway through the second half and led by four goals. But missing chances proved to be their downfall as Manchester killed the game off with a flurry ending any hopes of an opening day victory for the Liverpool side.

Sunday see’s Speke have a day off, while last season’s runners-up Manchester tackle Wirral at the Greenbank Academy, Liverpool.

North Champions Manchester University take on Haslingden, who like Speke, were promoted from Division 2 last season.

RESULTS: Haslingden 27 Liverpool 39, Speke 17 Manchester 33, Wirral 35 Bolton 40.