ON THE RECEIVING END: Kenyatta University thrash debutants St Paul's in handball league tie

Wanga Merina Andala (left) and Winnie Otaya both of Nairobi Water train at Nyayo National Stadium. [PHOTO:JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) national league entered its second round over the weekend with league debutants St Paul’s University (men) getting baptism of fire at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

St Paul’s University lost 35-18 to Kenyatta University as their women’s team lost 20-16 to Strathmore University.

Despite being promoted to the top-tier league last year, St Pauls’ women’s side has never won a match and their weekend loss might be seen as a continuation of last season’s dismal performance. 

But St Paul’s head coach Geoffrey Barasa believes the team will do well against experienced sides in the league.

“Being our first season for the men’s team in the league, it will not be an easy task playing with teams that are experienced and have been in the league for some time now. I have high hopes that we are going to do better despite the poor start. If we win some matches this season, it will be an added advantage for the team because we have prepared well for the season,” Barasa told FeverPitch on Saturday.

He added: “The women’s team has really improved from last season looking at the results today. The last time we met, Strathmore beat us by a goal difference of 18 but today, they managed only four goals ahead of us. This shows maturity in the team and I am expecting positive results in the coming matches.”

In another encounter, Ulinzi recorded their first win of the season, winning 36-15 against Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

Meanwhile, Nairobi University Sports Association games kicked off on Saturday at Kenyatta University’s main campus.

Daystar University failed to impress in their match, going down 23-20 to Africa Nazarene University (ANU) in the men’s encounter.

ANU, who were leading 15-8 by half-time, relaxed to give their opponents a chance to narrow the gap but still managed to hold on to the slim win.

Orly Muhonda emerged the top scorer with nine goals for ANU as his team mate Bernard Walter scored six. Daystar’s Shadrack Onkubu and Ibrahim Pino scored seven each during the encounter.

In another fixture, Mount Kenya University (MKU) men’s team stunned Kenyatta University Ruiru Campus 33-20. Mount Kenya University, who took a 16-15 lead at half-time, continued to attack to ensure they bagged maximum points.

Morgan Juma and Evans Marlic scored eight and six goals respectively for Mount Kenya while Kiprop Kosgei and Norman Gichaya netted six and five goals respectively.

In the women’s category, MKU snatched a 16-14 win over Technical University of Kenya (TUK). TUK took a 10-8 lead at the breather but their opponents outshone them in the second half. 

MKU ran riot against Kenyatta University Ruiru Campus 34-2 in their second match of the day. Valarie Adhiambo scored ten goals to take her day’s tally to 17.

Elizabeth Kimaru scored seven goals for MKU, while Beatrice Nyaga scored Ruiru’s two goals.

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