Handball: Holders Nairobi Water Queens labour past NCPB

Thodosia Sangoro guided his charges Nairobi Water Queens to a hard-fought 34-27 victory against archrivals National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in a thriller decided in the last five minutes of the match. 

Both sides came into the match ready to protect their unbeaten runs and that was evident from the get-go as both sides fought relentlessly before the defending champion Queens pulling away in the dying minutes of the match for a 34-27 victory. 

"We lost focus in the last five minute of the match and that cost us the match. There were a few officiating decisions that went against us in crucial moments too but despite the loss I am happy with the improvement on display," offered NCPB head coach Danstun Eshikumo. 

Water drew first blood with a goal from Brenda Ariviza but the millers replied immediately to level the score, a situation that was witnessed for the better part of the first half.  

It was a cagey affair with Queens leading but by a single goal until NCPB assumed lead at 11-10 with 17 minutes played. 

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It took 20 minutes, with the scores tied at 11 goals for coach Eshikumo to call for a first timeout as his charges has wasted a few open chances and had some 

A two-goal difference was created, for the first time, after 21 minutes with Queens taking the lead at 13-11 and further to four at 15-11 as NCPB's attack was subdued. 

Sarah Mabonga broke Queens' tight defence for a goal that reduced the advantage for the defending champion to three with four minutes to play in the first half. 

Mabonga and Joan Akinyi scored two in quick succession to bring NCPB to within a goal of the leaders as the half time whistle went. 

"Missing Mabonga for the better part of the second half after she accumulated maximum two-minute punishments and had to stay out, was also a blow. She is an integral part of the team. She was having a good day on the court and her absence was felt. 

However, I am confident that the coming matches will be better. We will also be ready for Queens in the repeat leg and that will be a must-win game," added Eshikumo. 

Rehema Asiko leveled matters within 30 seconds of the second half and it was game on, either side fighting to maintain the unbeaten run. 

Queens went ahead at 17-16 and again at 18-17 in the first five minutes of the second half. The side had, however, lost numerous scoring chances with their keeper Florence Awuor the star of the moment as she unleashed brilliant saves to frustrate Queens' attack. 

It was a give and take affair with both sides exchanging leads, albeit with just a one goal difference. The scores were still tied with ten minutes to play and neither side showed signs of relenting.

With eight minutes to play, Queens took a two-goal lead ag 27-25 off of a seven meter goal and a Brenda Musambai screamer. 

Sheryl Atieno stepped up on the seven-meter line for a goal that reduced the advantage to one at 28-27 but Cecilia Kiio pulled one back for Queens for 29-27. 

Musambai scored with three and a half minutes left on the clock to make it 30-27 for the Queens with Gladys Chilo adding to the tally. 

The millers seemed to have resigned to fate as their attack suddenly turned blunt and costly unforced mistakes handed Queens the victory with a seven-goal different that is not reflective of the match played on the court. 

Chilo emerged top scorer, contributing 12 for Queens with Ariviza adding seven in the victory. Atieno and Mabonga contributed seven and five for the millers.