Thika survive Pippers attack as Net Navigators shine

Albert Mukoya-led Thika Hockey Club bagged their eighth win of the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) men's league after beating University of Eldoret (UoE) Pippers 35-32 in a tightly contested match played at Kaloleni Handball grounds in Nairobi. 

Thika, who were the favourite pre-match found themselves in trouble from the get go as Pippers came hard at them to lead for the better part of the first half, heading to the break with a two-goal cushion at 15-17. 

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Sensing defeat, Mukoya made a wholesome substitution in the second half, changed that were immediately felt as the tide changed in their favour. 

"We underrated Pippers even before the game started and that almost cost us the game. The match intensity was not what we anticipated and it took a bit of time to readjust. The changes I made in the second half worked and we managed to escape unscathed. 

However, this has served as a lesson for the team. We have to game each team and match seriously as this is a crucial stage and we need all the points if our target of the Super Cup will be achieved," offered Mukoya adding that the match has exposed cracks in their game which they will work to mend before the next game. 

Nelson Wanjala gave a man-of-the match performance, scoring eight goals for the military side that helped the side defeat a hard-fighting Pippers. 

Cliff Odoyo added five while the quartet of James Kishobi, Ambrose Kipkemoi, Bonventure Kaduka and Hussein Callif added four each to the tally. 

Pippers' Daniel Ombasa was the top scorer in the match but his solo show of 13 goals for the varsity side was not enough to hand the side victory. 

In an earlier match, the Nicholas Chemirmir-coached varsity side had suffered another close defeating a 29-25 outcome against Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). 

Meanwhile, Rangers' trip to Nairobi began on a losing note as they fell to Buccaneers 32-29 in the opening fixture of the day. 

The Kimilili-based side matched Buccaneers goal-for- goal in the first half but a slip towards the half-hour mark saw them trail 16-14 after the first half. 

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Randy Ochieng and Radzi Stower led the scoring for Buccaneers with eight and seven goals respectively, giving Rangers a tough assignment on defense. 

Stephen Chemaswet scored seven for Rangers but it was not enough to beat their opponent who went on to bag a three-goal victory. 

Up against league title holders and leaders National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in their second fixture of the day, Rangers had no reply for the millers onslaught and they went down 48-20. 

Cylus Muhanji led the scoring for Danstun Eshikumo's men with eight goals, one more than Timothy Kirimi and Snox Collins.

Net Navigators were involved in the two matches played in the women's league, picking convincing victories in both matches. 

In the first encounter the military side picked a 39-22 win against Rising Stars as Elizabeth Alungat led the scoring with a 11 goals. Sharon Akoth and Abigael Wambua added nine and six to the tally for the win. 

In the second match against New Hope, Alungat contributed 14 in a 40-15 win that puts them at 16 points from 11 matches, tied with Rangers.