The Uganda Baati National Hockey League witnessed thrilling clashes in its penultimate games, with Weatherhead men and Wananchi locked in a fierce competition for the top spot. In a standout encounter, Weatherhead faced Thunders, while Wananchi took on the formidable Kampala Hockey Club, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of hockey.

Weatherhead entered their second last game tied on points with Wananchi but held a superior goal difference, boasting 111 compared to Wananchi’s 100. Their clash with the Thunders, positioned 8th on the table, promised to be a test of Weatherhead’s championship aspirations.

The early kick-off on Saturday saw Weatherhead initially struggling to find their rhythm against Thunders’ goalkeeper, Shafiq Mugisha, who showcased an impressive array of saves. However, Weatherhead eventually found their stride, with Timothy Ntumba and Captain Moses Tushabe netting goals in the 19th and 24th minutes, respectively, concluding the first half at 2-0.

As the game progressed, Weatherhead dominated, securing a commanding 10-0 victory. Colline Battusa closed in on the top scorers, adding three goals to his tally, reaching 30 goals, just two behind the leaders, Thomas of Weatherhead and Jordan of Wananchi, both tied at 32 goals. Other contributors to the emphatic win included Timothy Ntumba (3), Maxwell Mugisha (2), Brian Okodi (1), and Moses Tushabe (1).

In another noteworthy fixture on Sunday evening, Wananchi faced Kampala Hockey Club Stallions, who had recently clinched a bronze medal in the Africa Cup for Club Championships.

Contrary to the expectation of some revellers who hoped for a hot heated contested match up among the sides,KHC coach, Makhtum Muziransa, approached the match with a different strategy, fielding a younger team that primarily consisted of the players who did not travel to Malawi, with the exception of Agaba Alfred. The players who competed in Malawi were given some rest after their long journey and multiple matches played in challenging conditions.

Wananchi responded with a resounding 11-0 victory. Jordan Achaye secured a hattrick, catapulting him to the top of the goal-scorers chart, level with Thomas of Weatherhead. Additional contributors to the impressive win included Shafiq Byamukama (3), Jackson Musinguzi (1), Martin Okello (1),Innocent Tumukunde (1),Innocent Raskara (1), and Emmanuel Baguma (1).

Wananchi maintained their 2nd position with 47 points and a goal difference of 111, while Weatherhead held the top spot with a goal difference of 121. Both teams now brace themselves for the final games of the season, with Wananchi facing Rockets and Weatherhead taking on KHC Stallions in what promises to be a climactic conclusion to the Uganda Baati National Hockey league season.