Police and Scorpions secure wins in hockey league

Kenya Police play against Nakuru Sikh at City Park Stadium. [PHOTO:JENIPHER WACHIE/STANDARD]

Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Premier League defending champions Kenya Police and Africa women silver medalists Strathmore University’s Scorpions registered crucial wins in their respective categories at the City Park yesterday.

Police trounced Nakuru Sikh 5-0 while Strathmore Scorpions thrashed Multimedia University 14-1 in the only women’s match of the weekend. It was Police’s first victory of the season after they fell 1-0 to Greensharks in their opener.

Nelson Ochieng, a former Police player now with the Police told Feverpitch they had made crucial changes to their system of play coming into the match.

“We changed our strategies and it worked for us, for instance we worked on our set pieces and that resulted in our three goals, which were scored through penalty corners,” he said.

Ochieng said he was happy his former club had gained a promotion to the premier. “I am happy that Nakuru is now in top flight hockey. My talent was nurtured at the club and being in the highest league in the country will open chances for upcoming players who are currently at the club.”

Dictate pace

Police started on a high, attacking, and almost went up in the first minute when Moses Cheplaiti almost converted a corner. In the 15th minute Cheplaiti converted a short corner to take the lead.

Nakuru almost levelled the score 11 minutes later, after Billy Ochieng sent a cross to Dennis Barasa but he shot wide with only goalkeeper James Kayieko to beat. It was 1-0 at half time.

Police midfielder Willis Okeyo made it two in the 46th minute sending the ball home past Nakuru goalkeeper Dennis Mageto. Two minutes later defender Brian Saina made it three for the champions. Nakuru had chances but they did not take them.

The champions were determined to earn a more convincing victory and their fourth goal came in the 52nd through Felix Okoth. Okeyo was at it again three minutes later, blasting past Mageto to seal the victory.

Gilly Okumu scored four goals as Strathmore floored Multimedia 14-1. Doreen Hongo scored a hat trick while Damaris Namulanda hit a brace.

In another game, Wazalendo beat Mvita XI 3-1 in Mombasa.