POLICE ARREST SHARKS: Law enforcers fight back in hockey league play-offs to finish third

KENYA POLICE vs KCA UNIVERSITY Kenya Police's (left) Calvin Kanu and Kevin Oduor of KCA University during Kenya Hockey Union League at City Park Stadium on Sunday, Oct 8, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Former hockey league champions Kenya Police rallied from behind to beat Greensharks 4-3 yesterday at City Park Stadium and claim the third spot.

Police who last won the title in 2013 failed to seal a finals slot after falling 2-3 to Strathmore in post-match penalties in last weekend’s semi-finals.

Calvins Kanu and Willis Okeyo bagged a brace each to help the law enforcers secure a top three finish.

Sharks’ Kevin Simiyu was undoubtedly the man of the match and a pain in the neck for Police. He terrorised and tormented their back line sending three past Police keeper Martin Agesa.

Police coach Kenneth Kaunda said that finishing third was just a consolation pointing out they were disappointed not to play in the final.

“We are disappointed that we failed to make the final and were reduced to fight for third place. We hope to bounce back and fight for our honour next season,” Kaunda said.

Police were forced to play catch-up as they struggled to contain goal hungry Sharks after they found themselves two goals down after 16 minutes of play. Simiyu struck in the 11th minute after a lapse in Police defence to give his side an early lead.

Simiyu was on fire and five minutes later he was on target again giving his side a 2-0 advantage. In a quest to save face, Police tightened their defence and pressed deeper into Greensharks territory.

After minutes of goal hunting their efforts paid off in the 29th minute when Kanu converted a penalty corner. Police fought hard to level the scores, but their efforts were met with retaliation as Sharks hanged on for a 2-1 lead at the break.

On resumption Police intensified their hunt for an equaliser dominating the proceedings. Okeyo restored parity from a short corner, but their celebrations were short-lived as Simiyu struck once again to complete a hat-trick and restore Sharks’ lead in the 54th minute.

Not ready to go down easily Police fought back and Okeyo came through for them four minutes later to put the scores at 3-3.

The search for the winning goal began, but it was police who emerged victorious following Kanu’s 61st minute goal.

Meanwhile the finals match pitting defending champions Butali Sugar Warriors and Strathmore University Gladiators was rained off in the 52nd minute.

At the time both sides were at level with a goal each. The match will be played today at the same venue.