Defending champions KCCA Netball Club strengthened their title credentials with a hard-fought 42–36 victory over rivals NIC under the floodlights at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Saturday.
In a pulsating encounter characterised by intense exchanges, umpiring controversies, protests and thunderous support from a huge crowd, KCCA handed NIC their first defeat of the season in what has so far been the biggest-attended match of the campaign.
The result has significantly reshaped the early title race, which is increasingly expected to become a three-horse contest involving KCCA, Prisons and NIC.
KCCA controlled three of the four quarters, winning the opening period 13–10, the second 10–9 and the final quarter 11–9, while the third ended 8–8.
Despite missing influential shooter Shadia Nassanga Ssegujja, popularly known as Miima, through injury, KCCA produced one of their strongest performances of the season, with Mercy Bamutariza and Faisha Nakagolo leading the attack.
The duo delivered their best efficiency and conversion rates of the campaign, with both Bamutariza and Nakagolo influential as KCCA capitalised on the gaps in the NIC defence.
Margret Bagaala and Brenda Nakazibwe controlled the centre court, while Shafie Nalwanjja and Christine Nakito worked tirelessly to disrupt NIC’s attacking combinations.
NIC, meanwhile, were without injured Lillian Achola and Fildaus Namulema.
Their attacking options were further limited by the absence of Victo Nantumbwe, leaving Nanyonga to shoulder much of the responsibility.
Angel and Winnie Isoto struggled to find the space they needed as KCCA’s defensive unit kept them under constant pressure.
The victory lifted KCCA to third place on 14 points from seven matches, although they have played three games fewer than leaders UCU and Weyonje at the top and second respectively.
Prisons also have 14 points from seven matches but sit fourth on an inferior goal difference, while NIC drop to fifth with 12 points from seven games.
KCCA and Prisons remain the only unbeaten sides in the league.
Elsewhere, Weyonje continued their impressive run with a commanding 48–34 victory over Posta, while Prisons overcame Buddo SS 50–35.
Police Netball Club defeated schoolgirls Dynamite 44–33, while UPDF edged Kajjansi Progressive 43–41 in a closely contested encounter.
Kajjansi Progressive later returned to court and responded with a 43–40 victory over UGX Luweero.
Saturday’s Full Results
KCCA 42–36 NIC
Weyonje 48–34 Posta
Prisons 50–35 Buddo SS
Police 44–33 Dynamite
UPDF 43–41 Kajjansi Progressive
Kajjansi Progressive 43–40 UGX Luweero
