Ulinzi hand GSU first loss as Nanyuki continue dominance

In a high charged encounter played at the Nyayo Handball Court former Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) men's league champions Ulinzi HC got the better of General Service Unit (GSU) in a 32-22 outcome. 

The Yusuf Kipkoech-coached Ulinzi suffered their first suspension in the first minute as Nicholas Ireri was penalised for a high tackle, reducing the military side to six players for two minutes. 

Ulinzi led 4-1 in the initial stages of the match but GSU recovered and assumd lead at 6-5. The score was evened at seven goals with both teams having been reduced to six players at that point. 

Ulinzi scored twice to take a two-goal advantage but their lead was short-lived as the match was tied at 10 goals with ten minutes to play in the first half. For seven minutes, none of the teams could break the deadlock but Ulinzi managed three in the final two minutes while GSU scored one for the match to head to the breather at 13-10 in favour of the military side. 

On resumption, GSU struggled to maintain their grip on the match, allowing Ulinzi to take a five goal lead in the first ten minutes of the second half. The military side extended their advantage to ten goals for the win. 

"Our conversion rate was very low and we did not use our chance and that cost us this match. We are also used to a very fast match but today that did not work as the opponent did their best to play a slow match. Our biggest undoing, however, was poor ball handling and passing," said GSU captain Mark Barasa. 

Ulinzi who were coming off a loss to Kenyatta University (K.U) have now picked their seventh win in eight matches. 

"This was a good recovery from last weekend's loss. We were keen not to underate GSU this time as that cost us the match last weekend. We are happy for the win and remain focused on winning the league we last won in 2017," said Ulinzi captain Musa Munyasia. 

In another encounter, Hospital Hill's Inspired were the better side against Kimilili-based Rangers, picking their second win in six matches. 

Meanwhile, in the women's league, Nanyuki Women continued their dominance as they held on to their first half 10-16 lead to win their 29-34 for their fourth win in six matches.