Hockey fans were treated to a pulsating spectacle over the weekend as the Gazelles and Swans clashed on the pitch in a whatsome high stakes battle. The anticipation was palpable with a high flying Swans side leading the league table and the Weatherhead Gazelles hot on their heels in the second position.The thrilling encounter culminated in a nail biting 2 all draw,leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

As the match kicked off, it was evident that both teams were brimming with confidence and determination to assert their dominance. Swans, known for their attacking prowess, despite missing one of their vital gems(Alaro Winnie), lived up to their reputation, scoring two goals to give the KHC side a commanding lead thanks to goals from Lucky Akello in the first quarter and German international Franziska Messenbrink shortly after the start of the second half(3rd quarter). The Swans’ swift passing, intelligent runs, and clinical finishing had the Gazelles defense on the back foot, seemingly paving the way for an easy victory.

However, Weatherhead Gazelles showed their resilience and spirit, refusing to succumb to the pressure. Despite trailing by two goals, they regrouped and emerged with renewed vigor.The tide began to turn as the Gazelles’ relentless efforts paid off, and they managed to pull one back with a well-executed goal from Anita Atim from a penalty stroke.The momentum shifted in their favor, and the once-impenetrable defense of KHC Swans who had conceded the least goals in the league (1) prior to this fixture,began to waver under the mounting pressure.

With minutes left on the clock, Weatherhead fans erupted in jubilation as their team struck the equalizer thanks to Anita yet again froma penalty corner, leveling the score at 2-2. The energy in the stadium was electric as the teams fought tooth and nail in the dying moments to secure a last-gasp victory. However, the final whistle blew, and the scoresremained unchanged, leaving both sets of supporters in a mixture of exhilaration and frustration.

Though KHC Swans would have hoped for all three points to extend their lead at the top, the draw ensured they maintained their position atop the league table
The Gazelles’ tenacity and ability to mount a comeback were commendable as the result had significant implications on the league standings as Wananchi capitalised on the result to leapfrog to the 2nd position, one point ahead of the Weatherhead Gazelles in the 3rd spot narrowing down the gap in points with the KHC Swans to keep the title race wide open.

In other higlight fixtures over the weekend, KHC Stallions survived a scare as they had to make two comebacks in what was an end to end game to salvage a win over the Makerere Stingers. Badgers as well picked up a draw against Weatherhead Titans to climb from 8th to 7th position on the National hockey league log.

Results

Women
Weatherhead Gazelles 2 – 2 KHC Swans
Wananchi HDF 13 -1 Thunders
Makerere 0 – 11 Weatherhead Historicals
Wananchi 3 – 1 Deliverance Church

Men
KHC Originals 0 – 13 Wananchi
Weatherhead Titans 2 – 2 HC Badgers
Rockets 3 – 0 Thunders
City Lions 1 – 8 Weatherhead
Makerere Stingers 3 – 4 KHC Stallions