Holland’s Groningen Giants notch first win in 2 years

When the Groningen Giants were promoted up into Holland’s top league in 2016 they knew they were in tough. They just did not realize how tough.

Through eight games spanning two seasons, the Giants, who had advanced after winning the Dutch second division, could not find a way to win. Until last Sunday.

Facing the Arnhem Falcons, an established team in Holland’s top division and 2016 semifinalists, Groningen finally broke the spell.

Quarterback Till Klinke threw two touchdown passes and running back Tim Lucas returned a kickoff for one. Wide receiver Edu Brooke and Lucas caught a scoring pass each in the win over a quality Falcons squad.

Following a tight first half, with little time left before the break, defensive back Bart van Bezouw picked off a Falcons pass on Arnhem’s two yard line and two plays later Klinke found Brooke for the first score of the game.

The Giants defense held the Falcons out of the end zone in the third quarter while Klinke connected with Lucas to extend the lead to 12-0. However, Arnhem’s coaches reverted to the ground game pounding Groningen’s front seven as running backs Joost Holtslag and Lennard Harris helped the Falcons march down the field and score to close the gap to 12-7.

Then, Arnhem scored again following some sloppy execution on the part the Giants giving the Falcons a 13-12 lead with almost no time left on the clock. But Lucas was not finished. He took the ensuing kickoff all the way back with less than a minute left in the game scoring a phenomenal touchdown and giving Groningen their first win in two seasons.

Needless to say, the 100 mile trip back home to Groningen involved plenty of singing.

Watch Tim Lucas catch a 92 yard touchdown pass.