Warriors unleash terror on Bay Club at City Park
Hockey
By
Elizabeth Mburugu
| Sep 26, 2016
Champions Butali Sugar Warriors whitewashed league returnees Bay Club 9-0 in a Kenya Hockey Union men’s premier league match played yesterday at City Park Stadium.
Former titleholders Strathmore University Gladiators went on a rampage as they send six passed Nakuru Hockey Club in another men’s top flight match.
Internationals Emmanuel Simiyu and Frank Wanangwe bagged a brace each in the one-sided tie that Warriors dominated from the onset. Warriors coach Cliffe Okello said that his players had played better than they did against Nakuru last weekend.
“They were in good form today compared to our last tie but it was expected because they we were back from a long break but am glad they are back on track,” Okello said.
Veteran Saidi Okwemba put Warriors ahead five minute into play successfully converted a penalty corner. Barnabas Odhiambo added a second for Warriors four minutes utilizing his chance against Bay goalkeeper Brent Ochieng from the spot. Simiyu did not allow Bay a chance to put their house in order as he found the back of the net to give Warriors a 3-0 advantage in 11 minutes of play.
Bay led by Coach Tom Bello tightened their defence and were able to resist Warriors attacks until Vincent Odhiambo came calling in the 31st minute to add a fourth for the champions before the breather.
On resumption, Kisumu-based Bay players played defensively as well as tried to strike but their efforts were thwarted by Warriors who pinned them in their own half.
After minutes of resistance, Wanangwe finally got his way breaking Bay’s defense to score his first and a fifth for Warriors in the 48th minute. Zack Aura put his name on the score sheet 17 minutes later with Simiyu completing his brace in the two minutes to the whistle. Two quick goals by Wanangwe and Peter Nyambura crowned Warriors successful weekend out in the 70th minute.
Two first and four second half goals were all the Gladiators needed as they tackled Nakuru to remain in contention of a playoffs slot. Gladiators coach Meshack Senge said that the win had improved their chances of making the final four.
“We are looking to make it to the playoffs and this win today is a step closer to achieving our objectives. We now need to win one more match convincingly and the semi-finals will become a reality,” Senge said.
Greensharks played to a 1-0 victory against Kenya College of Accountancy University to enhance their chances of qualifying for the semis. Victor Osiche scored Sharks all-important goal in the 24th minute.