KCCA Netball Club edged NIC 42–36 in a very intense National Netball League encounter at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

KCCA, with experience and tactical ability, held their nerve in a fiercely contested battle, overcoming a resilient NIC to claim a six-goal victory and maintain their unbeaten run.

The defending champions have now made it seven wins from seven games, keeping their perfect start intact. They sit second on the log with 14 points, four behind leaders UCU Angels, who have played three more games.

Meanwhile, record champions NIC suffered their first defeat of the season, dropping to fourth on the table after seven matches.

The contest was defined by intensity, defensive pressure and tactical know-how, with numerous turnovers at both ends contributing to a low-scoring encounter.

Both teams looked sharp from the opening exchanges, but KCCA edged NIC in the midcourt battle, setting the tone early. They capitalised on two critical midcourt errors from NIC, turning the loose balls into goals to take the first quarter 13–10.

The second quarter developed into more of a defensive chess match, with both sides trading turnovers at a higher rate than goals. KCCA eventually edged the quarter 10–9 to take a 23–19 lead into halftime.

The third quarter was largely a replica of the second, with a high volume of turnovers, mostly resulting from unforced errors, highlighting the resumption.

Neither side could consistently convert those mistakes into goals, as both teams continued to struggle with clean feeds into the circle and precise transitions. The result was another low-scoring quarter, with the teams settling for an 8–8 draw at the end of the third.

On a dramatic note, the simmering tension finally boiled over towards the end of the third quarter.

An umpire’s call went against KCCA on a play the club’s technical bench strongly believed should have gone in their favour. The decision sparked a furious reaction from the KCCA bench, sending the vocal crowd into a frenzy.

The situation quickly escalated, with coaches from both benches exchanging heated words with the umpires and forcing a complete stoppage of play for more than five minutes. Order was eventually restored after the officiating team issued cautions and warnings to both benches, allowing the match to resume.

In the final quarter, KCCA’s championship experience and bench depth made the difference. Coach Mugerwa’s effective tactical changes disrupted NIC’s rhythm, allowing the defending champions to edge the final quarter and secure a six-goal victory.

KCCA will look to maintain their perfect start when they face Kajjansi next weekend, while NIC will have a double-header against Canaan and Prisons as they seek to bounce back.

How They Started

NIC: Akuwre Angela (GS), Aya Gloria (GA), Shafura Nalufu (C), Fida Kasewa (WD), Namuli Alice (WA), Nanyonga Rachael (GA), Nassim Mutesi (GK).

Subs: Isoto Winnie Alice, Dorothy Diko Catherine, Anomyu Miriam, Namuli Grace, Sera Zam.

KCCA: Batambuliza Marcy (GA), Bagala Margret (C), Nakagolo Faisha (GS), Nakazibwe Brenda (WA), Nakitto Christine (GD), Nalwanga Shafie (GK), Natasha Immaculate (WD).

Subs: Ampire Esther, Najuka Annet and Namukose Hafuswa.