Lakers drown Amira Sailors in Kisumu to go second

Lakers striker Aurelia Opondo (left) tussles for the ball with Caroline Njoki of AMira Sailors.[Washington Onyango,Standrda]

Lakers Hockey Club moved second in the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Women's Premier League after edging Amira Sailors 2-0 at Kisumu Day High School grounds on Saturday.

Captain Alice Owiti and reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) player Aurelia Opondo scored a goal each as Lakers stretched their unbeaten run to five matches.

The win lifted the Kisumu based side above Sailors and defending champions Strathmore University Scorpions into second place with 11 points.

Lakers goalkeeper Millicent Adhiambo celebrates after their 2-0 win over Amira Sailors.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Speaking after the match, Lakers goalkeeper Millicent Adhiambo credited team work for the win

"We dug deep today. We never gave up despite the pressure of defending an early lead and our endurance came into play today as we sealed the win with a late goal," said the national team goalkeeper.

Lakers striker Aurelia Opnod wheels in celebration after doubling the hosts lead against Amira Sailors.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Owiti gave Lakers the lead in the seventh minute through a short corner after beating Sailors goalkeeper Maroline Waboba.

Opondo then sealed the win with a late goal two minutes from full time.

Lakers coach Austin Tuju said he is keen to maintain their good run as they host Dutch Flower Girls (DFG) Wolverines today at the same venue.

"It is amazing what the girls are achieving despite our challenges. Winning is our only motivation right now and we have to maintain our form if we are to achieve our goal of playing in the continental games for a second year running," said Tuju.

Amira Sailors players consult during their KHU Premier League match against Lakers.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

In Kakamega, Western Jaguars stretched their lead at the top of the men's Premier League to six points after thrashing Greensharks 3-0 at Eregi Teachers Training College grounds.

The win also saw the Jaguars stretch their unbeaten run to eight matches (six wins and two draws) and take their points tally to 20, six ahead of second placed Kenya Police.