Kristiansand dominated Norwegian handball this past season. But the joy after the titles in Norway was not something that Swedish national team star Jamina Roberts put much focus on. The goal was set for the Champions League, where yesterday she finally got to celebrate as the winner.
"Of course, it feels great. It's been a fun season. We've won four golds this year, but it feels like the first three have been a warm-up. So it was lucky that we managed to take it, she says to SVT Sport.
After a tentative first half, the team dominated the second half. Kristiansand eventually won 28-24 with Roberts accounting for five goals.
"I think we get a pretty good defense. And the goalkeeper play is incredible. It's a bit tricky and we have a poor flow in the first half in attack. But we know that when we get the change so we can change and get pressure on the counter-attack, we're good. And that's what was decisive at the start of the second half.
"Had time to prepare"
Kristiansand had full control of the game in the second half, so good control that Roberts even had time to digest that she would win the title before the final whistle.
"Unlike the semi-final, it felt clear seven to ten minutes before the final whistle, so you had time to prepare. But of course it is a joy and relief that it is over and that we won.
And winning the Champions League weighs really heavily in Robert's prize cabinet.
"Of course I have nothing bigger than this. I've won the Swedish Championship and stuff like that a few times. And all Swedish Championship gold medals are fun and special. But from the outside, this is the biggest merit of course.
And victory has given a bloody tooth. Now she wants more.
"I have one year left in Vipers and we're doing well. It's a bit early to talk about goals. But personally, you feel when you've been through it once, of course you want to do it again. It's very motivating to have this year under our belt and know what we're training for.