Defending champions Butali Sugar Warriors bounced backed to winning ways, edging out hosts Western Jaguars 1-0 while former champions Strathmore University Gladiators recorded their biggest victory after beating United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) 3-0 to move out of the relegation zone in last weekend’s Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League matches.

At the Eregi Teachers’ College in Kakamega, George Mutira’s goal in the second quarter was enough to earn Dennis Owoka’s Butali their fifth win of the season to open a four-point lead at the top of the log. 

Butali are on 18 points, four ahead of Police who were not in action last weekend. At the City Park Stadium, Gladiators, the 2017 champions who have been flirting with relegation, moved to seven points after a convincing win over  USIU-Africa, their biggest victory of the season and only their second.

Meshack Senge’s side were bottom of the log coming into the fixture, having only won once from their opening seven matches. Gladiators are now eighth on the log with seven points same as Chase Sailors who have a superior goal difference.

The other men’s Premier League match saw Wazalendo drop crucial points against Parklands after they shared the spoils 1-1. Wazalendo now lie third with 14 points same as Police but the law enforcers have a superior goal difference.

In the women’s Premier League, Strathmore University Ladies concluded their first leg with a leap to second spot after beating Kenyatta University 2-0. 

In the men’s Super League, the firm grip by Parkroad Badgers on top spot continued after a 2-0 win over Wazalendo Masters, their 11th in as many matches to mark the conclusion of their first leg.