National Cereals and Produce Board beat Strathmore University 27-19 in a top Kenya Handball Federation league encounter at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
The reigning champions, who have won all their 11 games, took an 11-6 halftime lead and never looked back as they continued to wreak havoc.
“We want to retain our title. We are approaching each and every match with caution and tactics,” said NCPB coach Dan Eshikumo. “Our only problem was at left-back, a position we will have to work on going forward.”
Timothy Kirimi led NCPB’s charge with six goals, Robert Maraga had five and Brian Wakukha four. Strathmore had three goals each from the trio of Simon Oduor, Preveila Muhami and Brian Muranguri.
“We held them in the first 15 minutes but the difference between the two teams showed in the last 15 minutes when their experience kicked in,” noted Peter Mwathi. “What’s important is for us to keep playing in more of these tough matches and we will be good.”
Black Mamba squeezed a narrow 28-27 victory over Thika in a tight match-up.
The winners roared to an 18-9 advantage at the break but had difficulties coping with Thika’s aggressive play, which just fell shot.
Morgan Juma and William Malui bagged four goals each for Mamba.
“Thika were competitive and came in a different way in the second half,” said Mamba coach Abdalla Otieno. “But we weathered the pressure and won. We have two weeks to correct our mistakes.”
Desert Scorpions stung University of Eldoret ‘Pippers’ 40-26 after being up 20-15 at the break. Wilson Githemba had nine and Amos Kiplimo seven. Kevin Nyongesa scored seven and Nehemia Kipkosgei six. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat) nipped Technical University of Kenya (TUK) 22-20.
Lewis Maraga scored six goals for the Juja side while Brian Werengai grabbed the losers’ eight.
In a ladies' match-up, Ulinzi Sharks blanked Kenyatta University 34-12 after leading 18-10 at the break. Sarah Wasike scored 12, Euphracia Mukatia seven and Sharon Mulei had six. Celyne Wabuke managed four for the losers.
