Weatherhead men go top of NHL in style

Vincent Kasasa scored a hattrick as Weatherhead won 12-2 to go top of the men's NHL with 17 points in eight games. PHOTO BY MAKHTUM MUZIRANSA

KAMPALA. Weatherhead whitewashed Rockets 12-2 today at Lugogo to go top of the men's National Hockey League for the first time this season. 

With only four players available at the time the match should have kicked off at 4pm, there were concerns Rockets would earn a Shs50,000 fine by granting their opponents a walkover worth three points and three goals. 

Bottom placed Rockets, with no point in seven games, managed to ask for more time till they hit the seven players threshold. Notably, they missed the services of wingers Michael Nashimolo and Shafiq Muleme who are away for the FEASSSA Games in Gulu. 

Defenders Isaac Oryem and Aziz Abdul were away too but the recuperating Lawrence Kakande made a 'forced return'.  

Rockets, who hardly put together a full strength side for any encounter, managed a positive surprise this time by capitalizing on Weatherhead's early jitters and complacency to score first through Joseph Kamini's effort from a narrow angle in the third minute. 

However, their joy was shortlived as Peter Elolu equalized in the sixth minute for a full strength Weatherhad side that was also welcoming back midfield engine Rodney Nagaba. 

Rockets remained resilient for about a quarter an hour but the pressure finely told as Weatherhead started the onslaught in the 20th minute with Solomon Mutalya's goal. 

Ahmed Muteesasira completed a first half hattrick while Alfred Agaba and substitute Vincent Kasasa scored one apiece to ensure they led 7-1 before the break.  

Kasasa doubled his money four minutes from the restart while Agaba also had another in the 50th minute.

Arnold Kasumba took Weatherhead to double figures with a 10th goal in the 58th minute.  

But just when everyone thought Rockets had nothing more to give going forward, Elvis Oloya capitalized on another defensive lapse by Weatherhead to make it 10-2 in the 59th minute. 

Weatherhead were not done though as Moses Tushabe made it 11-2 in the 68th minute while player coach Kasasa completed his hattrick too and club's dozen at the death. 

Kasasa's side now lead the table with 17 points in eight games - one point ahead of Kampala Hockey Club (KHC) Stallions who play Simba tomorrow and Wananchi next weekend.