Matthews says ‘no pressure’ in handball title defense as league culminates
National Cereals and
Produce Board (NCPB) head coach Bryan Matthews says he is unfazed by their draw
against rivals Equity on Sunday, acknowledging the point as important to their quest
to defend their title.
Matthews remained
buoyant of defending their handball title after securing the all-important
point at the death-bed in a thrilling 29-29 draw against the bankers.
“A point was important to us and we remain
unbeaten. The goal is now to win the remaining matches and I have no pressure
because I believe we shall reign supreme,” said Matthews.
It was the first match
of the season that NCPB were on the brink of losing before Winstone Chekai
dodged past Equity shot-stopper Teddy Sidai to nick in an equalizer, to save the
reigning champions the blushes and maintain their unbeaten record.
NCPB had a brilliant
start, with attacker Timothy Kirimi who netted eight goals in the game, leading
Equity’s demolition, heading to halftime with a 17-13 lead.
Second half produced a
different show with Equity catching NCPB unaware in turnovers, leading them to
rally back to take a 29-28 lead in the nail-biting clash.
However, the bankers’
defense was caught off with 20 seconds to play, after NCPB equalized, losing a
chance to bag the maximum points and close the gap on leaders Ulinzi.
A relieved Matthews
reiterated the clash as important, as they discovered the areas where they will work
on before taking on Ulinzi in their final match, seen as a potential title-decider.
“We now know our
mistakes, we had a few turnovers and let the opponent into the game. I’m glad
that happened before our clash with Ulinzi and we are going to work on it,”
vowed Matthews.
NCPB have a litmus test
against fourth-placed General Service Unit (GSU) on Saturday, June 15, 2024,
before facing minnows JKUAT the next day.
The title-holders currently
sit second on the log on 41 points level with Equity and two behind leaders
Ulinzi, but with a game to play.
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