NCPB stun Sparklers HC to keep hopes alive

NCPB, MKU National Cereals Produce Board's Betty Too aims at opponent's goal as Mercylyn Achieng try stoping her during Kenya Handball Federation league at Nyayo National Stadium on Nov 6, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) women’s team defeated Sparklers HC 32-21during the East and Central Handball Club Championship tie at Nyayo National Stadium yesterday.

With the win, NCPB have a chance to finish second if Nairobi Water defeat Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) today.

Commenting on the performance after exiting the championship without a win, Sparklers HC coach Celestus Okoyana said he wanted to give his charges exposure and didn’t expect to win the title.

“I have a young team and I wanted to give players exposure. This is the second time we are taking part in the regional tournament and we have improved despite the defeat,” he said.

Sarah Mabonga from Sparklers HC emerged the top scorer with nine goals while NCPB’s Naomi Musembi managed eight team mate Fatuma Mohamed scoring seven.

NCPB came into this match strongly following their 27-26 win against KDF in their second match of the championship.

In their opening match, NCPB suffered a 30-20 defeat against two-time defending champions Nairobi Water while Sparklers HC came into the match following two defeats.

They lost 42-21 to KDF before suffering another 41-11 to defending champions Nairobi Water.

The losers took a 8-6 lead in the opening exchanges, but their opponents came in strongly to close down the gap.

NCPB reorganised after taking a time-out to take a 9-7 lead in the 23rd minute and capitalised on their opponents mistakes to extend the lead by two scores with six minutes remaining to the breather.

Trailing, Sparklers HC sought their first technical time out, but yet again,they failed to score as NCPB added a goal for a 10-7 lead.

Today Nairobi Water will be hoping to retain the regional title with a win over KDF.