Newcomers Amira oust Orange from league lead

KENYA HOCKEY UNION LADIES PREMIER LEAGUE Amira Sailors' Jedida Zawadi and Grace Wangari, left, of Kenyatta University during Kenya Hockey Union Premier Women's League at City Park on Saturday, July 23, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

New kids on the block Amira Sailors leaped to the summit of the Kenya Hockey Union women’s league table following their 5-0 victory over Daystar University.

The victory also saw the first-timers remain unbeaten after four outings. Susan Oketch was in a sublime form as she sounded the boards twice, while Margret Macharia, Leah Omwandho and Pauline Ochieng scored one goal each for the big win.

Amira top the table with 10 points from four rounds of matches and have scored 15 goals. They are yet to concede a goal. Amira coach Linet Onyango said despite their impressive start, they will remain cautious as they approach the homestretch.

“So far, so good, but we can’t consider ourselves as favourites in the title race because this is our first time. Until we make that happen, our strategy is to play with extra caution, then see how it will unfold in the end of the season. We hope to have a good finish,” Onyango said.

United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) are second with nine points from five rounds of matches. They have won three and lost twice. Strathmore University Scorpions, whose match ended 1-1 against last year’s league runner-up Sliders over the weekend, are third with eight points from two wins and two draws.

Sliders are fourth, tied on seven points with defending champions Telkom Orange, who have an inferior goal difference after three rounds of matches. At the wrong end of the table are Daystar, who remain without a point after four straight losses.

In the men’s premier league, Greensharks top pool B with 10 points from four outings. Former champions Kenya Police, who were not in action at the weekend, dropped to second place with seven points. Kenya College of Accountancy University (KCAU) and debutantes Chase Sailors, who all suffered their first defeats of the season at the weekend, occupy the third and fourth places.

KCAU lost 1-0 to Greensharks, while Chase, who, caused a major upset at the beginning of the season when they defeated Police 3-2, lost by the same margin to Wazalendo. The top four are still in contention for a playoffs slot, while chances of the bottom three -Western Jaguars, Parkroad and Wazalendo -hang in the balance.

Defending champions Butali Sugar Warriors top group A with 15 points, while 2009 and 2010 champions Strathmore Gladiators are second with 10 points after five rounds of  matches. USIU-A are third with seven points, while Nairobi Sikh Union are fourth and Nakuru fifth.

In the men’s national league, Parkroad Tigers lead with 15 points.