Hockey: Unbeaten Butali Warriors end first leg on top of log

Parkroad Badgers' George Omollo (left) and George Mutira of Butali Warriors in league action, at City Park. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Defending champions Butali Warriors finished the first leg of the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s Premier League on top of the table after edging out Wazalendo 6-2 in an eight-goal thriller at City Stadium, over the weekend.

Moses Odhiambo and Amos Barkibir were on target for the Sugar millers in the 15th and 16th minutes respectively as Butali took a 2-0 lead before Joseph Kasua grabbed a brace for Wazalendo to level the scores.

Odhiambo also scored his second goal before Calvins Kanu extended the lead to 4-2. Francis Kariuki then put the final nail on the coffin with a brace in the 58th and 60th minutes.

The vital victory moved the Warriors top of the league standings with 23 points and are still unbeaten in their opening nine matches. They have won seven matches and drawn two.

Apart from their victory over Wazalendo, the champions have also defeated Sharks (3-0), Parkroad (2-0), Strathmore (2-1), USIU (1-0), Mombasa Sports Club (3-1) and Sailors (2-1).

Butali are now one point ahead of rivals Kenya Police, who saw off Sailor 3-2.

Benson Wakhungu put the law enforcers in the lead in the 12 minute before Johnstone Indiazi restored parity for Sailors.

Felix Opora doubled Sailors’ advantage in the 44th minute, before substitute and experienced forward Moses Cheplaiti netted the equaliser Butali.