Jadran Herceg Novi produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Sabac 10-9 in the seventh round of the Premier Regional Water Polo League, with Stefan Vranes scoring the winning goal just 17 seconds before the final whistle.
The Montenegrin side appeared to be in control during the first half, establishing a three-goal advantage, but were forced to fight back after Sabac overturned the deficit and moved ahead in the closing stages.
After an evenly contested opening quarter finished 2-2, Jadran began to take control and opened up a 6-3 lead before the hosts reduced the deficit to 6-4 at halftime.
Lukas Durik restored Jadran’s three-goal advantage early in the third quarter, but Sabac responded impressively. Inspired by goalkeeper Darko Djurovic, who finished with 15 saves against his former club, the Serbian side fought back to level the match at 7-7 heading into the final period.
Aljosa Macic then gave Sabac their first lead of the second half, before Danil Merkulov converted a penalty to bring Jadran level. Macic struck again to put the hosts 9-8 ahead with just over five minutes remaining.
However, Sabac would not score again.
Durik equalised with 1:45 remaining, setting up a dramatic conclusion. After Sabac lost possession in the final 30 seconds, Jadran earned a man-up opportunity, which Vranes converted with just 17 seconds on the clock to secure all three points.
Durik finished as the match’s leading scorer with three goals, while Dusan Trtovic added two for Jadran. Macic, Stanojevic and Micanovic each scored twice for Sabac.
The victory moves Jadran to 15 points in the standings, three behind joint leaders Radnicki and Novi Beograd, who have both played six matches.
Primorac cruise to victory as Buducnost survive Valis challenge
Elsewhere, Primorac Kotor recorded the biggest winning margin of the round with a commanding 23-9 away victory over Vojvodina.
The hosts initially threatened an upset, leading 4-3 after the opening quarter and remaining level at 5-5 midway through the second period. However, Primorac took control from that point onwards, outscoring Vojvodina 18-4 over the remainder of the contest.
Balsa Vuckovic was the outstanding performer, scoring eight goals in an emphatic victory for the Montenegrin club.
Buducnost Podgorica were made to work considerably harder for their three points, eventually defeating Valis 15-10 away from home.
Valis made an impressive start, establishing a 3-1 lead in the opening quarter before Buducnost responded to take a narrow 7-6 advantage into halftime.
The hosts remained competitive and equalised at 7-7, but Buducnost gradually asserted control, scoring eight goals while conceding three over the remainder of the match.
Nebojsa Vuskovic led Buducnost with four goals, while Stefan Vidovic contributed three.
Partizan and Budva secure convincing wins
Partizan Belgrade continued their positive start to the season with a 17-9 home victory against Nais Nis.
Despite the comfortable final score, Partizan faced resistance during the opening half and led by just one goal at the interval, 7-6.
The hosts then dominated the third quarter 6-1 to effectively settle the contest before extending their advantage in the final period. Miljan Djokanovic and Vuk Conkic scored three goals apiece.
Meanwhile, Budva recorded an emphatic 23-10 away victory over Zemun, with Luka Dragovic leading the scoring with five goals.
The seventh round concludes on Tuesday, October 20, when unbeaten leaders Novi Beograd and Radnicki meet in a highly anticipated clash.
Premier Regional League – Round 7 Results
Saturday, October 17
- Sabac 9-10 Jadran Herceg Novi (2-2, 2-4, 3-1, 2-3)
- Zemun 10-23 Budva (3-7, 3-5, 1-7, 3-4)
- Valis 10-15 Buducnost (3-2, 3-5, 2-4, 2-4)
- Partizan 17-9 Nais Nis (3-3, 4-3, 6-1, 4-2)
- Vojvodina 9-23 Primorac (4-3, 1-4, 2-9, 2-7)
Tuesday, October 20
- Novi Beograd vs Radnicki (18:30 local time)
League Standings
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Radnicki | 18 |
| 2 | Novi Beograd | 18 |
| 3 | Jadran Herceg Novi | 15 |
| 4 | Buducnost | 15 |
| 5 | Partizan | 13 |
| 6 | Primorac | 12 |
| 7 | Sabac | 12 |
| 8 | Budva | 11 |
| 9 | Valis | 3 |
| 10 | Nais Nis | 3 |
| 11 | Vojvodina | 3 |
| 12 | Zemun | 0 |
Standings following Saturday’s fixtures. Radnicki and Novi Beograd have each played six matches.
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