Prisons Netball Club maintained their unbeaten run in the National Netball League after edging NIC 42–40 in a nail-biting encounter at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
The result handed record champions NIC their second defeat of the season, following their loss to defending champions KCCA last weekend.
The closely contested rivalry encounter was halted for over an hour due to rain, with just a minute remaining in the first quarter and Prison’s narrow victory further underlined their credentials as title contenders.
The win keeps Prisons third with 16 points, four behind leaders UCU, who have played three more games, and two adrift of second-placed KCCA, who have played one more. NIC sit fifth with 12 points after eight games.
How the Match Unfolded
Prisons took an early advantage in an evenly contested opening quarter, edging NIC 11–9 in a period that saw the two sides battle for an early lead.
NIC came into the second quarter determined to draw level, but Prisons repeatedly denied them the opportunity, keeping their opponents at bay for several minutes. NIC eventually found their breakthrough, levelling the scores at 17–17 and raising hopes of a comeback.
However, NIC struggled to maintain control of the pace and tempo, with errors proving costly at a crucial stage. footwork violation by centre Namulema and a fumbled pass by goal shooter Zam Zera allowed Prisons to capitalise, taking a 22–17 lead into the halftime break.
NIC returned from the halftime break with renewed determination, quickly narrowing the deficit to just one goal. The momentum continued to build as they made several attempts to draw level, only for Prisons to repeatedly deny them.
NIC’s persistence and mounting pressure finally paid off in the closing stages of the quarter as they levelled the scores at 29–29, setting the stage for a nail-biting final quarter.
In an intense final-quarter showdown, NIC cracked first, gifting Prisons a costly turnover that allowed them to take the lead at 34–32.
Prisons held their nerve to maintain their two-goal advantage until the final whistle, sealing a hard-fought 42–40 victory over NIC.
NIC, however, bounced back in their second fixture of the day, securing a 49–45 victory over Canaan to finish their double-header with a win and a loss.
According to next week’s fixtures, Prison will face a double-header against Canaan and UCU, while NIC will sit out the round.
Other Result.
Kajjansi 45-61 KCCA
UPDF 32-40 Buddo
UCU 41-23 Dynamite
KCCA 57-39 Police
Canaan 45-49 NIC
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