News 01 April 2014
All the news for Tuesday 1 April 2014
Black Sticks Women play out stalemate with China
Photo: Taupo District Council
The Black Sticks Women have drawn 1-1 in the second and final test against China at the Taupo Hockey Centre.
A stunning first half goal from North Harbour’s Rhiannon Dennison had the Kiwis in front 1-0 at halftime before Yang Peng responded in the second half to draw the score level.
Head coach Mark Hager said much like last night’s game, the team had good patches but were rusty at times.
“We played a good first half tonight, but had too many turnovers in the second half which really hurt our flow,” Hager said.
“On the whole our team continues to progress and we still have a few players recovering from injury. We’re happy to win the series and are looking forward to our next challenge in Hawke’s Bay."
The Black Sticks opened tonight with all the momentum, creating plenty of chances with four early penalty corner opportunities.
Dennison got the Kiwis on the scoreboard when she pounced on a penalty corner deflection and drilled a stinging reverse shot into the top of the net.
After the halftime break the Chinese played a much more composed game and managed to find an equaliser early into the period.
The Black Sticks reacted with some good patches of play but couldn’t find a way past China’s strong defence to score a game winner.
The Black Sticks now travel to the Hawke’s Bay Festival of Hockey from April 5-13 which will see the Black Sticks take on Australia, Argentina, Korea, Japan and China.
Black Sticks 1: (Rhiannon Dennison)
China 1: (Yang Peng)
Halftime: Black Sticks 1-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks claim series win over China
BEN STRANG
New Zealand have won their two-match international hockey series against China in Taupo, after drawing 1-1 with China tonight.
Having won the first match 3-2 the night before, the Black Sticks finished the brief series tonight with a patchy display.
Rhiannon Dennison gave the Kiwi girls a first half lead after firing home a penalty corner, but China struck back early in the second half through Yang Peng.
The Black Sticks controlled possession and patiently worked attacks up field, but China held firm and were hard to break down in the final third.
There were missed chances for New Zealand. The Black Sticks had a penalty corner five minutes into the match, but Kayla Whitelock's shot was saved.
Sevens minutes later, New Zealand had another chance at a penalty corner, but this time Whitelock fired a shot into her teammate's leg, handing the ball back to the Chinese.
The Kiwis were struggling to find a final pass to tee up shooting opportunities until they were awarded a third penalty corner.
Anita Punt's speed and dribbling ability saw her beat three Chinese defenders and burst into the shooting circle, winning the corner.
Whitelock's initial shot was saved and bobbled out to defender Rhiannon Dennison near the edge of the circle. She took her chance and smashed a shot on the reverse into the top of the net for the 1-0 lead.
China started to get into the game and mounted a number of attacks without getting any shots away on target.
After the break China came out with purpose, controlling the ball and finding gaps in the Black Sticks' defence.
They didn't have to wait long to tie things up, working the ball into the shooting circle where Yang Peng was lurking to fire between the legs of goalkeeper Bianca Russell.
New Zealand were struggling to string any attacking sequences together and China had their tails up as they confidently worked the ball forward.
Mengyu Wang went close with a penalty corner 15 minutes into the second half, her drag flick going inches wide of the right upright.
Sian Fremaux went close for New Zealand five minutes later, winning the ball back and running into the shooting circle before firing straight at the Chinese goalkeeper.
That seemed to spark New Zealand back to life, but they were still struggling with their movement and ball control.
China looked like they were tiring a bit in the final 10 minutes and New Zealand were taking advantage, swarming forward.
Sophie Cocks had the ball in the goal with eight minutes remaining, only for the goal to be disallowed due to a previous penalty.
New Zealand's superior fitness was beginning to tell in the final few minutes, earning three penalty corners as the Chinese defence started to struggle with the constant attacking threat.
The Black Sticks couldn't capitalise, however, failing to convert any of their chances.
The result gave the Black Sticks a series victory over China, 1-0 in the two match series.
They now head to the Hawke's Bay Festival starting Saturday, with Australia, Argentina, Korea, China and Japan taking part.
Stuff
Black Sticks edge out China in Taupo
BEN STRANG
New Zealand came up against a great wall in China's defence in their international hockey match in Taupo tonight, but had enough in attack to claim a 3-2 victory.
China repelled wave upon wave of Black Sticks attack, but eventually gave in to the constant barrage they were taking.
Goals to Emily Naylor, Sophie Cocks and Jordan Grant secured the come from behind victory, after trailing the Chinese 2-1 at halftime.
In the first half China's defence held firm, as the Kiwis flooded forward in search for an opening goal.However China stayed patient, and opened the scoring against the run of play in the 13th minute, with Jiaojiao De poking the ball home at the near post after a scramble inside the shooting circle following a swift counter-attack.
New Zealand nearly had an instant reply when Michaela Curtis fired a shot under the goalkeeper, only for two Chinese defenders to combine to block her effort.
After controlling possession and territory, the Black Sticks finally got their reward in the 25th minute, with Emily Naylor firing home following a penalty corner.
The original shot had been blocked by the Chinese goalkeeper, and Naylor was on hand to fire home on the rebound.
China then marched straight down field from the restart and won a penalty corner of their own, which was flicked into the top corner to make it 2-1.
The Chinese defence continued to repel Black Sticks attacks, going into halftime with the one goal lead.
New Zealand came out of the sheds firing in the second half, and Gemma Flynn had a point blank shot saved within a minute.
They were rewarded for their relentless attack 12 minutes into the half, finding the back of the net at their third penalty corner in a row.
Having had the first two efforts blocked by Chinese bodies, Sophie Cocks was able to guide the ball high into the net after Sam Charlton fired the ball goalward.
The Black Sticks had a lead two minutes later, Jordan Grant slamming the ball home after Curtis had her shot deflected out to the edge of the shooting circle.
China never really threatened the New Zealand goal after that, with New Zealand controlling possession and keeping the ball inside the Chinese half.
Stuff
Second half pressure pays off for Black Sticks
The Black Sticks women came from behind charge to defeat China in Taupo last night.
Down by one goal at halftime, the Black Sticks played a strong second half with two brilliant goals from Sophie Cocks and Jordan Grant sealing the result for the Kiwis.
Head coach Mark Hager said the result was pleasing but there was still plenty to work on going into game two tonight.
"It was a pretty poor first half, our basic skills weren't where we needed them to be," Hager said.
"The second half was a lot better and we saw the result of pressure and got a lot of intercepts which flowed on to our attacking game.
"Our players love to run and we did that well in the second half, so we need to let them do that and continue putting pressure on the opposition."
New Zealand dominated the opening minutes of the game, but allowed China to score a field goal against the run of play through Jiaojiao De.
Emily Naylor tied the game at 1-1 with a terrific reaction to knock in a deflection off the goalkeeper from Rhiannon Dennison's penalty corner flick.
China scored a penalty corner of their own just minutes later to lead 2-1 at halftime.
New Zealand looked a different side after the break and looked dangerous with every possession.
Cocks' goal was a stunner, smashing home a deflection from a penalty corner before Grant delivered the game winner with a powerful hit from the top of the circle just minutes later.
Northland's Stacey Michelsen played limited minutes in her first game back in almost a year following a serious knee injury.
Taupo's two test matches are important preparation for the Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey from April 5-13 which will see the Black Sticks take on Australia, Argentina, Korea, Japan and China.
Black Sticks 3 (Emily Naylor, Sophie Cocks, Jordan Grant)
China 2 (Jiaojiao De, Mengyu Wang).
HT: 1-2.
The New Zealand Herald
Men's Squad Selected for Double England Header
Craig Fulton, the new Irish Men's coach
Ireland will take on England in a double header on 10th & 11th April in what will be the first test international with Craig Fulton as Ireland Coach. These two test games take place just two weeks before the team competes at the Champions Challenge I in Kuantan in Malaysia, an opportunity new coach Fulton is looking forward to "This is a great opportunity for the selected Irish players and myself and coaching staff to start the process and play against top opposition. These matches will also serve to finalise the Irish selection for the Champs Challenge in Malaysia "
The unavailability of some of Ireland’s more experienced players gives a number of younger players the chance to impress Craig Fulton over the two days. While both John Jackson and Chris Cargo will play in the green jersey for the first time at their home club, Reading, on the Thursday evening, in what will no doubt be an extra special occasion for them.
Ireland Squad v England
1. David Fitzgerald (GK)- Monkstown
2. Stephen West (GK) - Three Rock Rovers
3. Jonathan Bell – Lisnagarvey
4. Mathew Bell - Banbridge
5. Philip Brown – Banbridge
6. Peter Brown – UCD
7. Nicholas Burns – UCD
8. Chris Cargo - Reading
9. Drew Carlisle- Banbridge
10. David Carson - Monkstown
11. Stephen Dowds - Banbridge
12. Jeremy Duncan – UCD
13. Stuart Loughrey – Cannock
14. John Jackson - Reading
15. Jason Lynch - Lisnagarvey
16. Michael Robson- Annadale
17. Harry Spain – Pembroke Wanderers
18. Alan Sothern – Pembroke Wanderers
Match Schedule
Match 1: 10 April – England v Ireland – Reading Hockey Club – 1915 hrs start
Match 2: 11 April – England v Ireland – Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre – 1200 hrs start
Irish Hockey Association media release
Friends are foes
By Graham Wilson
TOM CARSON and John Jackson will be doing their level best to help hosts Reading past champions Beeston in the NOW:Pensions League play-offs on Saturday.
But it will be gloves off between the two for the England-Ireland international on Thursday week.
Carson is one of the rising stars of the England squad at striker, while club team-mate Jackson is Ireland’s captain and defender and the two will be opposing each other on the same Sonning pitch in the NOW:Pensions Nations Cup. Carson said: “John is a fine player and playing against him will be a tough challenge.”
Daily Express
Sutton Coldfield hopes rest with Jane Sixsmith as Southgate top men's group
By Rod Gilmour
Net gains: Sheffield and Brooklands played out a thrilling 3-3 draw Photo: ANDY SMITH
Holcombe 1 Sutton Coldfield 1
Played at Cannock, these games in both men’s and women’s leagues saw the start of a round robin format, with the top two teams securing Premier Division places. The final two women's play-off matches will take place at Reading on April 12/13. Sutton Coldfield, who finished ninth in the top division, got off to the perfect start thanks to an 11th minute strike from Jane Sixsmith before Lauren Osborn equalised for Holcombe, the Conference East winners. Sutton Coldfield will now have to rely on former England international Sixsmith’s experience after they mustered only three wins this season.
Buckingham 4 v Brooklands Poynton 0
Jo Ellis, the Beijing Olympian, claimed that her “body was broken” after a long season which saw Buckingham claim their fourth straight Conference West title. But Ellis, who teaches at Radley College, looked in fine form yesterday as she struck twice before Katrina Nicholson and Zoe Shipperley added the gloss to an emphatic win. Having let in eight goals all season, Buckingham head to Reading as favourites to finally land promotion to the top flight for the first time. Meanwhile Brooklands, relegated from the top flight four years ago, have it all to do.
Hibbert’s happy ending at Southgate draws closer
Southgate 1 Cardiff & Met 0
Southgate goalkeeper and coach Chris Hibbert said his players would have “failed” if they can’t secure promotion to the top flight. His side pipped financially-secure Holcombe to a play-off spot with bags of goals and conceding only 22 in 18 matches. Yesterday, they were indebted to Simeon Bird, who scored the only goal against a Cardiff side who hadn’t conceded since Christmas, and Hibbert, who will retire next week following a decade in goal for the North London outfit. They now head to Reading in fine fettle, top of the round robin group and a step closer to Premier Division status.
Brooklands MU 3 Sheffield Hallam 3
“It finished like a typical Sheffield game where both sides had chances to win it,” admitted head coach Vicky Joel after the Premier Division side let slip a 3-0 lead. Sheffield, who survived automatic relegation on the last day of the regular season, scored through Will Hearne, Liam Ansell and Mike Shaw. But two “gifted” goals in successive minutes allowed the Manchester side back into the match before the break, Peter Cornell’s 36th minute strike sealing the draw. Brooklands, the Conference North winners, travel to Finals weekend on Saturday for the fourth time since 2007.
The Telegraph
Got to be realistic about our World Cup chances: Jude Felix
Suhrid Barua
Hockey career seemed to have come a full circle for Jude Felix. Two decades ago the gentle-man player Jude Felix led India to the fifth position in the World Cup at Sydney. A five position climb from disastrous Lahore campaign (1990). Revival of hockey was talked about then.
Now, after having long stints in distant Singapore, he is back in the news and not without reasons
He is now part of the 2014 World Cup preparation team.
Jude always wanted to give back something to the game he played with distinction. One of the options was to coach the national side. It took long time for his dreams to translate into reality, but the former Indian midfielder is more than happy to wear the coaching hat.
“It feels great to be connected with the national players. I always wanted to coach the national side and I’m glad that this opportunity came along. The first few days at the camp has been quite good and the boys are raring to go,” he says in an exclusive interview to Stick2hockey.com
The crafty former India playmaker brings loads of experience to the Indian support staff table, which comprises the likes of head coach Terry Walsh, assistant coach MK Kaushik and High Performance Manager Roelant Oltmans. Felix played for India at the 1988 Seoul Olympics , 1992 Barcelona Olympics, 1990 Lahore World Cup, 1994 Sydney 1994, 1994 Hiroshima Asiad beside representing the country in the premier Champions Trophy on a few occasions. Clearly, the appointment of Felix as assistant coach replacing Vasudevan Baskaran is expected to further shore up the Indian preparations for the 2014 World Cup.
“We have got a robust coaching staff and everybody is chipping in to ensure the boys are at their best for the future battles ahead,” he quips.
There is line of thinking that the three-month probation period isn’t perhaps ideal, but Felix has no complains. “I was called up to do a job, if I’m good I will stay if I’m not, I will go it’s as simple as that. I think three months is adequate time for people who matter to assess my performance. You got to understand that I’m taking up a role as an assistant coach, but yes if you are named head coach of any team and given three months to deliver, then it may not be enough time to prove your worth. So, I’m only looking forward to giving my best shot and not pay heed to such thoughts,” he calls spade a spade.
Felix, who is best remembered for scoring India’s goal in their 1-1 draw against Germany at the 1998 Seoul Olympics, has a decent history of performing well against Germany.
“I agree I have always done well against Germany, not just the 1988 Seoul Olympics, I have always fared well against them be it scoring goals which is not my main forte or creating opportunities upfront,” he reminisces.
The conversation veers towards the 2014 World Cup and Felix, who made his senior international debut during the 1985 Four Nations Tournament in England, wastes no time in pressing the ‘realistic button’. “Like our head coach Terry Walsh had said we have to be realistic in what we want to achieve. There is no point in doling out tall hopes and then falter to attain them. We have a promising bunch of players and it will only be a matter of time before we are counted among the top hockey nations of the world,” he puts forth his views.
The Indian team has in recent times has shown the propensity to leak early goals in big games and are rendered ineffective by top sides who makes us pay heavily for that.
“We will have to work on our defence. We will be putting a lot of focus on this area in our camp and I’m sure the boys are going to sort out the shortfalls and come good at the World Cup,” he observes.
A disappointing plight of Indian hockey is that the statistics of Indian hockey players are far off from being well documented. And Jude concurs.
“Look, if you ask me how many internationals I have played for India I know I played more than 250 for the country but can’t precise tell the number of internationals I had played for the nation. Same for the number of goals I have scored for the country. I hope statistics of our players are well documented as it can motivate the players,” the former HAL and Indian Railways employee signed off.
Stick2Hockey.com
Punjab score big win over Delhi
Chennai - Ajit Pandit and Harmanpreet Singh netted three goals each as title contenders Punjab overwhelmed Delhi 10-0 in the league phase of the Hockey India men’s junior hockey Nationals (Division-A) here today.
In the Pool A match, Punjab were seen dominating the game from the 8th minute when Pandit gave Punjab the lead. Shamsher Singh, Baljinder Singh, Parvinder Singh and Arshdeep Singh were the other scorers.
In a Pool C match, Haryana delivered a similar result by thrashing Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy 7-0. By the end of the first half, Haryana established a huge 4-0 lead.
Ravi Choudhary converted a penalty corner in the 8th minute to provide the lead. Manpreet’s two field goals in the 14th and 27th minutes and a goal by Nikhil Saroha’s in the 31st minute helped Haryana end the half on a high. Manpreet became the top scorer for the team as he pocketed a total of three goals.
In another match, Uttar Pradesh downed Jharkhand 4-2.
In the Division-B final, Steel Plant defeated Manipur 5-1 to qualify for Division-A. Janma Mahji scored a hat-trick, while Santosh Baxla scored two goals.
The Tribune
SPSB trounce Manipur in final
CHENNAI: Steel Plant Sports Board (SPSB) beat Manipur 5-1 in the 'B' division final of the Hockey India junior men's national championship on Monday.
SPSB duo - Janma Majhi and Santosh Baxla - combined well to pierce through Manipur's defences right through the clash. SPSB's Majhi scored his first goal in the 13th minute of the match. He went on to add two more to his tally - in the 28th and the 64th minute.
Punjab blank Delhi: Punjab crushed Delhi 10-0 in their 'A' division encounter on Monday. Haryana blanked Madhya Pradesh 7-0, while Uttar Pradesh defeated Jharkhand 4-2.
The Times of India
Time for hockey players to fight for World Cup spot
By S. Ramaguru
Malaysia and Australia in their Sultan Azlan Shah match last week. Australia emerged champions, and Malaysia were runners-up.
KUALA LUMPUR: The next 20 days will be crucial to Malaysian hockey players bidding to make the World Cup squad.
Apart from the two injured players – Mohamed Razie Rahim and Ismail Abu – the other 26 players have been training earnestly as preparation for the six friendlies against China (April 13-19) and the Champions Challenge I in Kuantan from April 26-May 4.
The World Cup will be held in The Hauge, Holland from May 31-June 15.
According to coach K. Dharmaraj, those who make the Champions Challenge I squad will most likely make the World Cup as well.
“It’s simple. We want the best players for the Champions Challenge I ... so, they will also be in the forefront to make the World Cup squad. The best players must go to both tournaments,” he said on Monday.
“We tried out the younger players in the Sultan Azan Shah Cup (in Ipoh) and they put up some creditable performances to put the pressure on the seniors.
“I must stress that all the 28 players in our training squad, including the injured Razie and Ismail, have an equal chance of being picked.
“Ismail is expected to start full training this week. We are still waiting for Razie to undergo another test to see how well his recovery has been.”
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was Dharmaraj’s first assignment as national coach since taking over from Paul Revington in January. The team finished runners-up to Australia.
Dharmaraj said that the good performance by the juniors in the Ipoh meet has now piled pressure on the seniors to step up to the plate and fight for a place in the team.
“No one can take his place for granted. They have to show me, in training and in the friendlies, that they are ready to fight and be part of the World Cup team. We are also working on rectifying the weaknesses identified in Ipoh,” said Dharmaraj.
For the Champions Challenge I in Kuantan, Malaysia are in Group A with New Zealand, Japan, Ireland and Poland while France, South Korea and Canada make up Group B.
Of the teams in Kuantan, South Korea, New Zealand and Malaysia will be headed for the World Cup as well.
The Star of Malaysia
Selangor eye double
By Fadhli Ishak
RIDING high after bagging their first Milo-MHC National Under-16 tournament title in Perlis on Sunday, Selangor have now set their sights on notching a double by winning the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) trophy later this year.
Team manager Zaidi Zakariya said Selangor have a special batch of players to bank on this year and is confident they will be able to challenge for the MSSM Under-18 title which will be hosted by Pahang on June 7-12.
Against all odds, they stunned five-time winners Kuala Lumpur 2-1 in the Milo-MHC Under-16 final after having earlier in the group stages beaten defending champions Perak 3-2.
"The main difference in the squad this year is the level of motivation shown by the players," said Zaidi.
"There was a real sense of seriousness and hunger to succeed among the boys and it carried us through the tournament. They all want to take their playing careers to the next level.
"Most of them will be playing at the MSSM tournament and we will also be strengthened by the addition of a few fifth-formers.
"The last time we won the MSSM title was in 2009 and it would be great to take it back this year. I am confident we will be able to do well if the boys can show the same level of understanding and desire."
Zaidi listed Faiqrazin Zariq Idris, who was named player of the tournament on Sunday, as well as Muhammad Syazwan Md Zulkafli as key players for the team this year, adding that he expects Perak, Penang and Kuala Lumpur to remain among the frontrunners in Pahang.
Five members of the Selangor squad in Perlis were from Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports Schools, five from Bukit Jalil Sports School, six from Selangor State Sports School and two from normal day-schools.
New Straits Times
Come on Selangor, reward your hockey team with a proper turf!
By Haresh Deol
MUHAMMAD Raziq Rahman Nasir, Aizat Aiman Hakimi Khairul Anuar, Muhammad Hilmi Zulkepli, Muhammad Rusyaidi Zainal, Muhammad Faisol Rohizan, Muhammad Zainul Fahmi Zainal, Iqbal Mursaputra Saiful Bahri, Ahmad Lutfi Mohd Sam, Muhammad Haziq Effarizal, Muhammad Fahmi Zaharman, Muhammad Halif Fadzly, Muhammad Fikri Amer Runnizar, Muhammad Zafri Afiq Nor Azlan, Umar Hiakim Ahmad Robangi, Muhammad Nurasyraf Rosli, Muhammad Eikmal Hakime Shafri, Faiqrazin Zariq Idris, Muhammad Syazwan Md Zulkafli.
These are the names of Selangor’s Under-16 boys hockey team.
Most often, the names of players are buried within an article or the team list is carried separately at the very end of an article. Exceptions are made for those with an interesting tale to tell.
But this group of hockey players deserved to be mentioned at the very top of this column. Why?
This is a team that hails from a state with no proper turf. Their plight has been highlighted numerous times only to fall on deaf ears by the powers-that-be. This was even discussed in great lengths in my previous column ‘Do the right thing, Khalid Ibrahim’ published on December 31.
It was then highlighted that the Pandaraman hockey stadium was declared unsafe by the Selangor Hockey Association in 2010 while the PJ stadium was in no position to host any hockey competitions as it has not been repaired for the past 11 years. Sadly, some quarters were forced to use the pitches for clinics and games.
And to say Selangor is dubbed as one of the richest state in the country … Bah!
Plenty of time, money and energy were wasted by the Selangor juniors on travelling. They were forced to train in Kuala Lumpur instead. Yet, they emerged victorious after edging KL 2-1 in the national Under-16 boys final in Perlis over the weekend.
It was a sweet victory for the team as officials from Selangor Hockey Association were beaming with pride. The win was also the state’s HA way of making a statement – the team could still succeed despite the shortcomings.
It was the same day world renowned sports trainer Allistair McCaw tweeted: “My sole advice to Sports Federations: Invest in your coaches more than your training facilities. Quality people and coaches are the key.”
This fits perfectly as far as Selangor HA is concerned.
Now imagine what Selangor could achieve if their teams had proper facilities to train on. Imagine the quality of hockey they would be able to dish out and the state could in return mold talents for the national team.
If the state government and local authorities want to lend a helping hand, they can start by giving Selangor HA a proper training ground.
A winning team must be rewarded. Come on Selangor, give your hockey boys a turf to play on!
Malay Mail
Nakuru Sikh gain promotion to hockey premier league
BY ELIZABETH MBURUGU AND BEN AHENDA
Nakuru Sikh players celebrate after beating Kenyatta University 1–0 in the National Hockey Division One final
Nakuru Sikh return to hockey premier league after a six-year absence from the top flight.
Nakuru had a successful season emerging top in the men’s national league with 40 points. They won 13 out of their 15 league matches, drew one and lost one to Parklands Sports Club.
Nakuru coach Tony Agesa told FeverPitch a comeback to the premier league is good for Kenyan hockey as Nakuru has been instrumental in nurturing talent in the country.
“Our return is good for Kenyan hockey. Our club has produced some of the country’s top players and we take pride in that,” said Agesa.
Nakuru was disbanded after the 2007 season after majority of its players walked out to join rival clubs.
“We had to start from scratch after our players left. We scouted for talent and we were out of competitive hockey for long forcing us to start at the national league level in 2011,” he added.
Some of the best players who have gone through the ranks at Nakuru Sikh are national team players Zack Aura and Barnabas Odhiambo, who have played professional hockey in Europe. Kenya and Police captain Richard Birir, Duke Ombaji, Nelson Ochieng and Martin Agesa – all of Police had a stint in Nakuru.
Nakuru captain Jimmy Carter said it will not be a walk in the park for them as they take on better and more experienced sides but they will give their best.
“Most of my players have never played in the premier league, but we will work on our physical fitness and mental strength to enable us to play well,” said Agesa.
The second spot for promotion is tightly contested by second-placed Wazalendo Youth who have 33 points and a match in hand, Bay club of Kisumu have 25 points and can only earn promotion if they win all their remaining four matches.
In the women’s national league, champs Orange maintain their 100 per cent winning record after a narrow 1-0 victory over Sliders. Caroline Guchu scored the lone goal for Orange.
The Standard Online