Prisons are regional netball champions

East and Central Africa Netball Championship finals
Women's category
Prisons 46 NIC 45
Third place playoff
Jeshi 37 KCCA 35
Men's category
WOB, Uganda 41 Kenya Prisons 43

Prisons produced yet another sterling performance to edge arch rivals NIC to the East and Central club title in Nairobi yesterday.

Just like last year when they were edged by their fellow Ugandan giants 47-46, National Insurance Corporation (NIC) were again beaten in the fi nal moments of the nail biting affair at Nyayo stadium.

 Prisons' captain Lillian Ajio (left) receives the trophy

The two players, who are both former NIC netballers, were always on target as Prisons recovered from a 26-23 half time chase.

Coach Imelda Nyongesa noted that they punished NIC for fi elding an off form Alice Nanteza.

"The moment we saw her on the fi eld we knew it was just a matter of time and indeed we cashed in on her presence to triumph," Nyongesa stated.

As the attacking duo fi red in goals, Juliet Nakafero, Halima Nakachwa, Lillian Ajio, Stella Nanfuka and Florence Nanyonga also put up a tremendous midfield and defence show.

It was yet another painful exit for 16-time NIC champions.

"We had a very good game and I commend the girls for that persistent spirit," said NIC's team manager Jocelyn Ucanda.

New signing Betty Kiiza, a replacement for the expectant Ruth Meeme, put up a good midfi eld show just like goal shooter Martha Soigi and goal attacker who jointly scored 45 goals.

NIC lost the title in 2015 to MOICT of Kenya in Zanzibar and again failed to reclaim the crown last year.