Scorpions lead women's league after fifth consecutive victory

Strathmore University's Diana Awino (right) acknowledge fans' cheers after playing against Wolverines during Premier league match at City Park Hockey Stadium on Saturday, March 19, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Strathmore University Scorpions and Butali Warriors maintained their perfect start to the 2022 season after putting to the sword their respective opponents in the Kenya Hockey Union Premier League matches played over the weekend.

In Kisumu, leaders Strathmore registered their fifth straight victory of the season in the women's league after narrowly seeing off struggling Lakers Hockey Club 1-0 at Simba Club while defending men's champions Butali thrashed Wazalendo 4-1 at City Park in Naiorbi.

Former Blazers attacker Grace Bwire scored the winning goal for the university students in what was a revenge and first win for Strathmore against the Lakeside outfit.

Scorpions had lost to the vibrant Lakers 3-2 before they played to a 1-1 last season.

Speaking to Standard Sports, Strathmore head coach Meshack Senge said they are not carried away after their stellar start to the campaign but focused on winning their remaining matches.

Senge said they are approaching each game at a time without taking into considerations their past achievements and are motivated to win every week.

"For us, we approach every game as our first match of the season without taking into account our past results and I am happy we are coming out of Kisumu with a win," said Senge.

Strathmore are top of the log with 15 points and are yet to concede a goal this season.

Apart from their win against Lakers, they have defeated Sliders (2-0), Wolverines (1-0), Sailors (2-0) and defending champions Blazers (2-0).

Defending champions Blazers on the other side closed the gap between them and Strathmore to within two points after double weekend victory at City Park.

Veteran defender Terry Masibo converted a penalty corner in the fifth minute to beat Amira Sailors 1-0 and close in on the university students.

The record champions had seen off Dutch Group Flowers Wolverines 3-0 Saturday.

Blazers are now second with 13 points from six matches, two points behind leaders Strathmore but having played a game more than the students.

United States International University of Africa Spartans, who were not in action over the weekend, complete the top three position with seven points from three matches.

Elsewhere, defending men champion Butali Warriors saw off Wazalendo 4-1 to open a six-point gap between them and second placed Kenya Police who were not in action over the weekend.

Warriors lead the log on 29 points followed by Police on 23 points but having played one more game.