Nairobi Water Queens coach Jack Ochieng hailed his team’s defence in their 28-27 victory over Ulinzi Sharks in a Kenya Handball Federation league match at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
The tactician said both teams exhibited good handball in this closely-contested encounter whose result was decided by the last whistle.
“I loved the way they (Sharks) resisted. It all turns out to coaching and the best man wins it all. I am happy my girls played very good defence,” said Ochieng.
Both teams went into this tie undefeated. Cecilia Katheu led with nine goals while Gladys Chilo and Brenda Musambai all hit five for the winners. Caren Lutengeya managed eight goals, Sarah Wasike had seven and Caroline Temko shot four for the Sharks.
“It was a close one. We had the game, just small mistakes that they capitalised on toward the end. We will get them in the second leg,” said Sharks’ coach Nickson Oyaro.
National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) burst away from a 16-12 halftime lead to thrash Rangers 42-24.
Naomy Muyuka secured seven goals and Berlin Achieng added six for NCPB while Rahab Wanjiru and Belinda Mukongo hit seven each for the losers.
Alexia Ambani tallied 12 goals to lead Amazon to a 26-15 win over Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat).
Kenyatta University led 14-11 at the break and went on to hit National Youth Service (NYS) 24-20. Doris Odende and Lydia Mutinda had nine goals each for KU and NYS respectively.
NCPB also blanked Kenyatta University 25-23. Sarah Mabonga and Joan Akinyi shot seven goals each for the winners while Odonde made seven and Vivian Owano hit five for KU.
Rangers whipped Daystar University 41-28. Maurine Masibo notched 16 goals, Mulongo had five and Caroline Akinyi had five for Rangers. Daystar's Behadonna Arina made 11 and Meldone Akoth added six.
Rangers also walloped National Youth Service (NYS) 31-21. Wanjiru grabbed 14 goals and Mulongo shot eight. NYS had five from Evelyne Muli.
KU thrashed Mountain Queens 34-17 behind 10 goals a piece from Barbra Afande and Odonde. The losers had eight from Sarah Machuna.