By REBECCA GICHANA

Ulinzi made their intentions known on friday to defend the title they won in 2011 by labouring 27-24 against Tanzania  as the 7th edition of the East Africa Military Games and Culture Events entered the third day.

Ulinzi started the attacks by the first whistle with the home soldiers leading 13-10 before the breather. They intensified attacks with the home team taking advantage of height and speed with fast breaks

Ulinzi coach James Kinyua said the match was tough with the opponents changing the way they played in their first match against Uganda.

The home crowd cheered the team giving them the confidence to fight  until the end.

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“Tanzania came in with new skills and a different approach but my players were also prepared for any challenge,” said the tactician.

He added: “We will use the same tactics we used in this match to apply in our second match against Burundi. Hopefully we will keep up the clean sheet from today’s match with the same spirit and determination in the championship. Our target is to retain the title.”

Hopes alive

His Ugandan counterpart  Agnes Shani will be looking for a win in their next fixture against Rwanda tomorrow to keep their title hopes alive.

“The weather is really affecting my players. It has kept on changing with the players not familiar with,” said the Ugandan coach after the match played at the Nyayo National Stadium Handball court.

Shani added: “We want to make sure that we catch up with the other teams that have won all their matches in the championship.

The event so far has been so competitive with teams winning with a small margin of scores and it seems that it will be anyone’s title.

In another fixture today, Uganda who won their first match against their neighbours Tanzania take on Rwnda today at the same venue from 10am with the Kenyan match scheduled at 3am.

Ulinzi also take part in the national league and the Kenya Defence Forces handball league where the coach selected the cream for this championship.