GSU fight hard for Thika win as Buccaneers fall

General Service Unit (GSU) had to dig deep into their reserves to go past a stubborn Thika Engineers HC in an entertaining encounter played at Nyayo Handball Court.

The Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) men's league sides coma to the match targeting wins but the paramilitary side had an upper hand over their military counterpart.

In a closely contested match, Christopher Mayende scored 11 goals as Erick Nyamweya added nine and the tally to propel GSU to a 30-26 win.

GSU led 15-10 at half time but the Kenneth Biwott-coached Thika fought even harder in the second half to come to withing two goals of equalling the score in the second half. 

John Kuria matched the opponent's energy with each play to score 11 for Thika as Richard Momanyi added six to the tally. However, the Mark Barasa-captained GSU held on for the win. 

Giant-slaying Rangers chasing podium finish

"This was a tough match but training at Nyayo as part of our preparations for this weekend's action has bee a blessing. Everything we planned for worked for us and we are happy. 

As we prepare to face National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) on Sunday, we have to correct on a few things including the ability to hold on to our leads.

It is paramount that we do not allow that to go into our heads as that can be costly. I am, however, impressed with our defense and goal keeping as that played a huge part in the win today and will be crucial for us on Sunday," Barasa offered. 

Meanwhile, Buccaneers fell 35-37 to Zakaria Kinja-coached Desert Scorpions despite leading by a goal at 20-19 at half time. 

Jectone Oyugi scored 12 for Buccaneers but it was not enough to help the side pick a much-needed win. Wilson Gathimba and Leonard Chirchir combined for 14 goals to help Scorpions clinch the win.

Spartans beat Young City 36-28 in the other men's match. 

Meanwhile, in the women's league, Martin Kamau's Daystar Falcons bagged their second victory of the season after dispensing New Hope 36-13 in a dominant performance that saw Velma Diana give a man-of-the-match show with nine goals. 

NCPB won their match 36-16 against varsity side Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) while Rising Stars beat Nairobi County Council (NCC) 44-28.

South Sudan - a country only 12 years old - is headed to the World Cup!