Pillars, others shine at Handball Premier League

Kano Pillars, De Defenders, Edo Dynamos, Safety Babes, Seasiders Babes and Sokoto Rima all gained maximum points in yesterday’s opening fixtures of the final phase of the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League held at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos State.

League leaders, Pillars, began their quest to win this year’s championship with a 25-20 victory over old foes, COAS Shooters, while De Defenders walloped Kada Stars 27-20 in the other men’s category game played as at press time yesterday.

In the women’s class, Edo Dynamos displaced Desert Queens 33-16, while league leaders, Safety Babes, walked over Abia Valiants in 10-0 result. Seasiders Babes had a walk over Owena Queens (10-0), likewise Sokoto Rima 10-0 against Borno Spiders.

Speaking after his team’s match, Coach Solomon Yola of Pillars said the win was a good start to the final phase of the championship. He lauded his players for their effort, adding that despite their late arrival to the venue of the championship, his boys still put up a good result.

“We are happy to record our first win. Beating Shooters was exciting. We arrived Lagos early this morning (yesterday) because we had a problem with our vehicle on our way. But it was good to arrive safely and win our opening game.

“We ended the first phase as leaders, hopefully, Lagos will be a good hunting ground for us as we approach all our game with vigour.

“It took us a lot of hard work, but we hope that we can sustain the tempo and come out top as the overall winner. In tomorrow (today) game, hopefully, we will rest well and be ready in our game against Borno Spiders,” he said.