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Sharks edge NCPB in hot women handball race

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 00:00 | By
Berline Achieng of NCPB attempts to shot past KU guards during a Women’s Premier League match at Kaloleni Social Hall last year. Photo/PD/RODGERS NDEGWA

Ulinzi Sharks claimed the bragging rights as they edged bitter rivals National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) by just a point in a seesaw affair in the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) women’s Premier League at the weekend.

The scintillating encounter at the Kaloleni grounds saw Evans Omollo’s Sharks defy all odds to beat their nemesis 24-23 to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches and move two points behind leaders and defending champions Nairobi Water Queens who have played eight matches.

NCPB assumed the lead at 3-1 and extended it to 6-3 but the soldiers found their footing and went two points clear at 6-8. An exchange of leads then ensued and by the break, Sharks had a 13-12 advantage.

Paul Pudo’s NCPB allowed the gap to move to five points after the break, giving them a tough task of attempting a comeback. They, however, fell short by a single goal, making it two losses in nine matches.

NCPB’s Purity Nyawira top scored with six goals while Leli Akinyi and Roselyne Adhiambo managed five and four respectively.

Sharks’ Alexina Ambani, Euphrasia Mukasia and Valine Akoth combined for 15 goals, five for each, as Sarah Wasike and Lucy Mureithi added four and three respectively in the crucial win.

“This is a very crucial win for my side. We did our homework well and beat NCPB on the same technical prowess they have used in previous seasons to defeat us.

I am proud of my players’ display as this was not your ordinary match, but now the tougher tasks are ahead,” said Sharks’ coach Omollo.

He added: “We are yet to face Queens this season and a second leg clash against NCPB still awaits.”

Meanwhile, men’s league holders NCPB made easy work of Gunners, picking a 41-24 victory to extend their unbeaten run to 15 in the 25-team league. Hot on their heels are former champions Black Mamba who defeated Boomerang 29-19 for their 14th straight win.

Rangers, who were not in action last weekend, were relegated to third (28 points) from 14 wins in 18 matches.

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