Novi Beograd opened their Regional League campaign with an 11-8 victory over Partizan on Monday night, but the final score told only part of the story after the derby ended with an altercation involving players from both teams.

Novi Beograd entered the game as favourites, but Partizan produced an impressive performance for three quarters and repeatedly frustrated the Serbian runners-up.

Partizan made the stronger start and led 3-1 after the opening period before Novi Beograd began to work their way back into the contest. The hosts edged the second quarter 3-2, leaving Partizan narrowly ahead at half-time.

Stefan Todorovski was outstanding in the Partizan goal and finished with 11 saves, helping his side remain in contention deep into the match.

Novi Beograd eventually moved ahead late in the third quarter. After several missed opportunities, Milos Cuk scored twice to turn the score to 7-6, although Partizan responded through Conkic to make it 7-7 heading into the final eight minutes.

That was where Novi Beograd finally took control.

Nikola Kojic, the hosts’ standout performer, struck twice during a decisive four-goal run, with Cuk and Martinovic also finding the net as Novi Beograd broke the game open. Jankovic ended the run for Partizan, but the damage had already been done as Novi Beograd closed out an 11-8 victory.

Kojic finished with four goals, while Cuk and Martinovic scored three each. Perkovic added the other goal for Novi Beograd.

For Partizan, Bozovic and Conkic scored twice apiece, with Grgurevic, Durutovic, Jankovic and Radulovic also on target.

Remarkably, none of the four penalties awarded during the match were converted. Novi Beograd missed their only opportunity from five metres, while Partizan failed to score from three attempts.

The derby was then overshadowed by an incident at the end of the match. Almost all of the players from both teams entered the pool during a confrontation, with pushing and jostling before coaches and staff intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Sport Klub reported that disciplinary action could follow under the competition’s regulations.

Elsewhere in the opening round, Radnicki beat Nais 23-7, Sabac defeated Valis 16-6, Vojvodina edged Zemun 13-11 and Jadran beat Buducnost 12-9. Primorac host Budva on Wednesday.

Homepage
Read more about Serbian water polo
Visit the WP360 Shop!
Follow Waterpolo 360  on  Facebook, Instagram  and  X