Defending champion, Kano Pillars avoided an upset yesterday as they rallied in the second half to beat Bendel Dynamos 30-26 in the Ardova Handball Premier League at the sports hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Dynamos seized the initiative early as they raced into a 4-1 in the opening minutes. The homers also increased the lead to 9-5 midway into the half but the defending champions fought back gallantly to cut Dynamos lead to just 13-10 in the first half.
It was a tough first stanza as Pillars’ coach Solomon Yola stood throughout dishing out instructions and making changes to curtail the rampaging Dynamos.
At the resumption of the second half, Pillars approached change and they dominated the game despite efforts by Dynamos to thwart the champions’ effort.
Yola stated that his team was flat in the first half which gave Dynamos the opportunity to dictate the pace. He, however, said that a change in strategy and better co-ordination gave his side victory.
“My team was not good enough in the first half,” he admitted.“They performance was flat and they played as if nothing was at stake.
“But we came out with a better game plan in the second half which worked in our favour and gave us victory.”
Dynamos coach Aaron Okogie commended his boys’ spirited efforts despite the defeat , adding Pillars were more experienced which showed in the latter stages of the game.
Okogie said: “I must commend my boys for putting up a good performance against Pillars. They played against an experienced side and must have learnt a lesson or two. However, we will do well in subsequent games.
In other games, Seasiders King beat Confluence Stars 25-21, Defenders Babes defeated Plateau Peacocks 31-26, Niger United beat Benue Buffaloes 29-20, while Bayelsa Queens lost to Safety Babes 46-26.