Handball: Kisiwa put NCPB to the test in narrow loss

Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) men's league champions National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) were on Saturday 9 November put to the test in a clash against newcomers Kisiwa TTI.

Skipper Timothy Kirimi admits that the Millers' 39-32 win was a wake-up call as the club prepares for the upcoming East and Central Africa Handball Federation (ECAHF) championship.

Admittedly one of the better organised newcomers to the league, Kisiwa went hard at NCPB to trail by a single goal heading to the breather.

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"We went up against a well organized and trained Kisiwa TTI, first entrants into the league but a formidable team. They were able to drive us out of our comfort zone in the first half, gave, us a good run for our money," Kirimi told Mozzart Sport.

Brian Matthews' charges, sensing danger, played a better second half pulling away from the defiant scholars to keep their unbeaten run going.

"A few tactical changes in defense from our technical bench and a clinical offense gave us the match comfortably in the second half.

Kisiwa gave a good account of themselves and while at it highlighted a number of loopholes we must mend as we prepare for the up coming ECAHF competition," Kirimi who led the onslaught with 10 goals added.

Christopher Mayende, who's turning out for NCPB for the first time this season, joining from General Service Unit (GSU) scored six, as did club mainstay William Malui in the win.

Kisiwa's charge was led by Yusuf Pwoka, a former national Junior team player, scoring nine, one more than Oliver Njongea.

Saturday's matches also saw Young City, a side comprised of hearing impaired players from Nairobi County, pick a 32-25 win over Hunters. The side later lost 37-29 to Boomerang.

Additionally, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) stunned Nanyuki 25-24, Stanley Kulecho and Lewis Maraga combining for 10 in a match that the latter's Trevor Koech top scored with six. Nanyuki would later earn points without breaking a sweat in a walkover from the no-show Kenyatta University.

Black Mamba dominated Hammers 37-14 while MAB subjected Hunters to their second loss of the day in 38-25 outcome, before playing for a 31- all draw against Daystar.