The Borussia Dortmund women's handball team extended their flawless start to 16 wins in as many games as they came from behind at half-time to claim an impressive 27-25 (12-14) victory over fourth-placed Thüringer HC.

The main quality that has set the team apart this season – their high-tempo play that is feared across the league – was on show from the off. They took an early 4-1 lead in the opening six minutes and extended their advantage to 9-5 by the midway point of the first half. But THC better neutralised the BVB threat in the period that followed and gradually caught up to take in a 14-12 lead at the interval.

The second period of the match was a fast and furious battle that had the spectators at Halle Wellinghofen on the edge of their seats. Borussia Dortmund worked their way back into the game and, with 35 minutes played, re-established a lead that they never relinquished for the remainder of the game. Among the 1,050 enthusiastic spectators who saw the Black & Yellows claim what was ultimately a slightly fortuitous but by no means undeserved victory was BVB President Dr. Reinhard Rauball. The two standout performers in what was a strong team performance were the two Dutch world champions - goalkeeper Rinka Duijndam and defender Kelly Dulfer, who was once again BVB's top-scorer with nine goals.

Despite winning and extending their flawless start, BVB remain under pressure after champions Bietigheim won comfortably against Leverkusen to keep the gap between the two teams to three points.

Dortmund are up against another big rival when they take on third-placed TuS Metzingen on Saturday (19:30 CET). The next home game will be on 7 March (also at 19:30 CET) when Neckarsulmer Sportunion come to town. (br)