Inset: Ulinzi Sharks (2019)
Sharks remain unbeaten in five matches while Nayuki suffered their second defeat in seven matches.
Sarah Wasike and Carren Lutengeya gave domineering performances in action for Ulinzi Sharks’ against Nanyuki Women HC for a 37-24 victory in the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) women’s league.
The highly anticipated Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) derby soon became a one sided match as Sharks took an early lead at 4-1 in the first five minutes of the match and held on to lead, taking their advantage to ten goals at 21-11 at the break.
Seemingly resigned to fate, Nanyuki, did little to mount for a comeback as Sharks’ blistering speed helped them dominate the half for the win.
“We had prepared for Nanyuki well aware that they are very good especially in attack. Most of our plays and execution worked well. However, we struggled to coordinate plays between the pivot and the main shooters in the team and that is something we need to work on going forward. We were also punished severally with two-minute penalties for late tackles and that needs addressing since it could cost us I’m future,” said Sharks tactician Harold Mumbo.
With the win, Sharks are tied on ten points with Nanyuki, with a match in hand, two points behind leaders Water Queens who have played six matches.
Meanwhile, Rangers Women HC fell 32-24 and 29-24 to National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and Kenyatta University Vampires respectively.
In the first match of the day, the Gerald Juma-coached women trailed NCPB by a single goal at 13-12 but the millers scored 19 in the second half against the Kimilili-based side’s 12 for the eight-goal win. Rangers’ Dorothy Barasa top scored, managing 11 goals despite the loss.
In the match against Vampires, Doris Odendo scored eight for the varsity side in a match they took an 18-9 lead in the first half to cushion themselves from Rangers’ second half onslaught.
“Despite the losses, the girls played spectacularly. We allowed Kenyatta University to score 18 in the first half which made the second half an attempt at a comeback and we fell short by five. Against NCPB, we went toe-to-toe in the first half but my players ran out of gas towards the end of the second half and the millers took advantage to run the scores.
I am happy my players are getting better with each match. The fixtures also played to our advantage as we started with the less tough opponents and the players have gained some confidence now. Our debut is encouraging and I am sure we will come back stronger and better next season,” said coach Juma.
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