NCPB, Water Queens crowned East Africa handball champions

As the East and Central Africa Club championship concluded in Zanzibar, Kenyan teams carried the day as NCPB men and Nairobi Water Queens were crowned. 

Brian Mathews-led millers National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) went unbeaten to reclaim the title they lost to Rwanda's Police HC in the last edition held in Tanzania last year. 

On their part, the Kenya Handball Federation (KHF) women's league perenial winners Nairobi Water Queens were again unstoppable at the regional competition going unbeaten to defend the title they have won in all editions they have taken part in since inception. 

In the title-deciding match against Tanzanian champions Ngome, Mathews' charges were the better side, going ahead 11-7 in the first half before returning for a closely contested second half wherr they scored 13 to emerge victorious in a 24-18 outcome. 

"The game plan was to dominate the first half of the match against Ngome so that we can have an easy second half and that, to a large extent, worked. We are happy for this win," Mathews said. 

In an earlier interview the tactician had outlined the team's objectives for the championship.

"I am satisfied with the performance and where the team is especially in the local league. This championship gives us the perfect opportunity to continue trying out different formations and I believe when the league resumes we will be in a good place to defend our title." 

Meanwhile, Jack Ochieng-led Water Queens defeated Kenyan arch-rivals NCPB 25-21 in the decider match that saw Cecelia Katheu emerge top scorer with seven for the champions. 

Water had a 11-5 dominant first half before the millers spectacular but unsuccessful comeback in the second half that saw them come close to subjecting the national champions to a first defeat in the competition. 

Ochieng says he was out to test and improve his side's defensive formations as he looks to continue his winning streak in the KHF league when the league resumes.