CĒSU, Latvia – Cēsu “Lekrings” secured their spot in the ELVI Floorball League semifinals, defeating Ķekava/RB&B 4-1 in a decisive Game 7 on Sunday evening. The victory completed a hard-fought series win for “Lekrings,” prevailing 4-3 after a back-and-forth battle that saw both teams claim leads throughout the quarterfinal matchup.
The Cēsu team faced adversity during the series, falling behind 2-3, but rallied to force a Game 7 after a 6-5 win in Ķekava on March 8th. That victory leveled the series at 3-3, setting the stage for a winner-seize-all contest at the Cēsu Sports Complex.
The first period saw a cautious start from both sides, with Ķekava/RB&B generating more scoring opportunities. Yet, it was the home team that broke the deadlock late in the period. Olafs Zvīnis scored for “Lekrings” in the final minute, giving them a 1-0 lead.
Gints Bērtulis extended “Lekrings’” advantage to 2-0 in the 24th minute. The visitors then had a chance to respond, earning a penalty shot, but Renārs Eglītis was denied by a stellar save from “Lekrings” goalkeeper Markus Plūdums.
Emīls Dzalbs increased the lead to 3-0 midway through the final period. Facing a growing deficit, Ķekava/RB&B pulled their goaltender in favor of an extra attacker with five minutes remaining. Reinis Melgailis managed to pull one back for Ķekava/RB&B in the 57th minute, making it 3-1, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished.
Edgars Puriņš sealed the victory for “Lekrings” with a goal into the empty net two minutes before the final whistle, bringing the score to 4-1. Despite a continued push from Ķekava/RB&B, “Lekrings” held on to secure the series win.
Markus Plūdums was named the game’s most valuable player, delivering a dominant performance in goal, stopping 22 of 23 shots faced. Kirils Namļinskis, the Ķekava/RB&B goaltender, was recognized as the best player for his team, making 17 saves on 20 shots.
The final shot count favored Ķekava/RB&B, 23-21, with the period breakdown showing 6-10 in the first, 5-6 in the second and 10-7 in the third.
Emīls Dzalbs, Edgars Puriņš, Olafs Zvīnis, and Gints Bērtulis each scored one goal for “Lekrings.” Jorens Malkavs, Emīls Šūmanis, and Artūrs Jurševskis each recorded one assist, with Bruno Beķeris also contributing.
For Ķekava/RB&B, Reinis Melgailis scored the lone goal, even as Endijs Umberts Barruss tallied two assists and Kārlis Degins added one.
“Lekrings” now awaits the outcome of other quarterfinal series to determine their semifinal opponent. The team will be looking to continue their strong form as they aim for a championship title. The league has not yet announced the schedule for the semifinals, but details will be released shortly.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Cēsu “Lekrings,” solidifying their position as a top contender in the ELVI Floorball League. The team’s resilience and strong goaltending proved to be the deciding factors in overcoming a determined Ķekava/RB&B squad.
“Lekrings” – “Ķekava/RB&B” – 4:1 (1:0, 1:0, 2:1), series 4:3
Shot Ratio:
21:23 (6:10; 5:6; 10:7)
Top Scorers:
“Lekrings” – Emīls Dzalbs 1 (1+0), Edgars Puriņš 1 (1+0), Olafs Zvīnis 1 (1+0), Gints Bērtulis 1 (1+0), Jorens Malkavs 1 (0+1), Emīls Šūmanis 1 (0+1), Artūrs Jurševskis 1 (0+1), Bruno Beķeris.
“Ķekava/RB&B” – Reinis Melgailis 1 (1+0), Endijs Umberts Barruss 2 (0+2), Kārlis Degins 1 (0+1).
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on the ELVI Floorball League semifinals as they become available.
