Hockey: Sinyolo revive title hopes after timely victory

Girls hockey in East Africa games 20.August.2017 Janet Awoor (L) of Sinyolo Girls, Kenya and Rebecca Mito (R) of St. Cecilia Misikhu, Kenya in action during their encounter in the FEASSSA games at St. Joseph's College, Layibi.

Champions Sinyolo got their campaign to retain the girls' hockey title back on track as the 2017 Brookside East Africa Secondary Schools Championships entered Day Three at St Joseph's College Layibi in Gulu, Uganda, yesterday.

The girls bounced back from a disappointing barren draw to crush home girls St Mary's Namagunga 6-0.

Margret Omondi and Alice Owiti bagged a brace each, while Alice's sister Maurine Owiti, and Stacy Akinyi scored one goal each for the four-time East Africa champions, who are eyeing their fifth trophy.

Alice said they had improved since their opening clash against rivals St Cecilia Misikhu that ended goalless.

"We played better than we did in our opening match and I believe there is still room for improvement because we are getting used to the pitch and conditions here. Every goal and win counts," she said.

Alice put Sinyolo in the lead eight minutes into play as she successfully converted a penalty corner to give her side their first goal of the championship. Namagunga tightened their defence, resisting Sinyolo's frequent attacks, but Omondi was too good for them as she netted twice in the 23rd and 24th minutes.

Maurine made it four at the half-hour mark and Alice completed her brace in the 46th minute. Akinyi put her name on the score sheet in the 65th minute.

Agnetah Okumu was on fire, scoring five goals as St Joseph's Girls Kitale drubbed Old Kampala 7-0 to enhance their chances of winning their maiden East Africa title.

Brenda Barasa netted a double to guide the national finalists to the top of the table on four points, same as Sinyolo, who have an inferior goal difference.

In the boys' contest, five-time East Africa champions and favourites St Anthony's Kitale beat compatriots Upper Hill 2-1 to inch closer to reclaiming their title.

Basil Wamalwa and Kadius Wafula scored for St Anthony's while Eugine Onyango scored for Upper Hill. [Elizabeth Mburugu]