VK Radnički Kragujevac were crowned winners of the inaugural Premier VRL League after defeating Primorac Kotor 17:11 in the Final Four championship match in Kragujevac.
The Premier VRL League was launched this season as a revived regional competition, bringing together leading clubs from Serbia and Montenegro in a format designed to restore a high-level Adriatic-style league structure. Its long-term future remains to be seen, but the first edition delivered drama, quality and a strong statement from Radnički on home soil.
Radnički recover from slow start to storm to title
Primorac came out fearless and stunned the hosts early, racing into a 4:1 lead in the opening quarter. The Kotor side played with freedom and energy, while Radnički struggled to convert chances.
But the Serbian side gradually settled. Led by the experience of Nikola Jakšić, Duško Pijetlović and Andrija Prlainović, the hosts wrestled momentum back in the second quarter.
Primorac still led 7:6 late in the first half, but that would prove their final advantage of the night.
Radnički closed the half with three straight goals to move 9:7 ahead, then completely took over after the interval.
A devastating 5:0 third quarter ended the contest, with Strahinja Rašović scoring three times during the surge as Radnički built an unassailable 14:7 lead heading into the final period.
Primorac eventually ended a long scoreless spell, but the damage had been done.
Jakšić finished with four goals, while Rašović added three. Primorac’s Marko Mršić also scored four.
Jadran claim bronze in shootout thriller
Earlier in the day, Jadran Herceg Novi secured third place after edging Šabac Elixir 16:15 after penalties.
Jadran appeared in control after opening a five-goal cushion in the fourth quarter, but Šabac launched a remarkable comeback. Ognjen Stojanović scored with just 11 seconds left to force a shootout at 11:11.
The decisive moment came when goalkeeper Lazar Andrić saved in the fourth round of penalties to hand Jadran the bronze medal.
Individual season awards
Following the final, season awards were presented for the first Premier VRL campaign.
- MVP: Strahinja Gojković (Jadran m:tel)
- Top scorer: Marko Mršić – 44 goals
- Best goalkeeper: Darko Đurović – 138 saves (45.4%)
Prize money
The top three clubs also received financial awards:
- Radnički – €50,000
- Primorac – €30,000
- Jadran m:tel – €20,000
A regional league with promise
The return of a serious regional league involving Serbian and Montenegrin clubs has been welcomed by many in the sport, offering stronger weekly competition than domestic schedules alone.
Whether the Premier VRL expands, evolves, or continues in its current form next season is not yet fully clear — but the inaugural edition has already given the region a new title worth chasing.
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