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Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) men’s defending champions Butali Warriors scored three retaliatory goals to rally from 1-0 down to clobber Sailors 3-2 to maintain their unbeaten streak after their ninth league match, completing the first leg unbeaten.

As a result of their Saturday 3-2 win over Sailors, Butali captain George Mutira who scored their opening goal a minute to half time break, told People Sports that the Warriors are determined to maintain their current form in the second leg to maximize their chances of retaining the title this season.

“Sailors gave us a tough first half challenge but we did not lose our heads despite being down 1-0 and 2-1 at some point. We were focused on delivering a win and remaining unbeaten as we head into the second leg with confidence of improving our results and write off the two stalemates.” Butali Warriors captain George Mutira told People Sports after the win over Sailors at City Park stadium.

Jarius Muzembi scored a field goal for Sailors to open the score in the 27th minute but the lead was short lived courtesy of a retaliatory equalizer scored by Butali’s captain George Mutira two minutes later to head for the first half in a 1-1 stalemate.

Sailors returned with grit and scored their second goal just four minutes in the second half through their impact player John Wafula who drove the crowd frenzy with his level of confidence and intimidation.

Butali’s management brought in substitute and experienced Zack Aura who scored the leveler goal in the 42nd minute to settle for a 2-2 stalemate after the third quarter that marked the end of Sailors scoring chronicle while the defending champions rose to the occasion in the last quarter through Festus Onyango’s stick four minutes to the final whistle.

Meanwhile Dte Western Jaguars maintained their second place on the standings thanks to a 1-0 win over Kenya Police in Kakamega. The sole goal by Derrick Juma in the 40th minute awarded the hosts with three vital points in a must win clash that ensured their table safety against the former champions.

Kenya Police’ headed to Kakamega in need of a win to trade places with Jaguars but the western side proved tough to beat and instead inflicted their second seasonal loss to maintain their places on the log with 22 and 17 points respectively.

Fourth placed USIU-A on the other hand disrespected hosting Sikh Union 3-1 at the Dashmesh stadium to raise their tally to 14points to separate them from an 11 points tie with fifth placed Wazalendo and sixth placed Strathmore Gladiators.