So there was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
2 Samuel 2:17
Surrounding context
2:16 And each one grasped his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent's side; so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called the Field of Sharp Swords, which is in Gibeon.
2:17 So there was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
2:18 Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab and Abishai and Asahel. And Asahel was as fleet of foot as a wild gazelle.