Strathmore Scorpions sting rookies Twinkle

Dorah Jokeyo (Left) of MSC Ladies contest for ball with Maurine Achieng of Lakers during their Kenya Hockey Union League match at Impala Club in Nairobi, on June 21, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Former Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Women's Premier League champions Strathmore University Scorpions on Sunday piled more misery on winless Twinkle Hockey Club edging them out 2-1 at Jamhuri High School.

With the defeat, Twinkle who were promoted this season alongside third placed Kisumu Queens will have to work much harder in the second leg to avoid returning to the lower tier.

They must fight their way up from the bottom where they finished with three points out of the possible 27. They lost six matches and earned their points from three draws.

Scorpions on the other hand must also improve in the second leg to enhance their chances of finishing among the top teams. The 2022 league winners have not been at their best this season and have been struggling to win.

They have only managed three wins, drawn two and lost three among them a humbling 3-0 beating at the hands of newcomers Kisumu Queens.

Against Scorpions, Twinkle put up a spirited fight to force a goalless first half. However, Scorpions who are also struggling to find their footing this season were determined to secure their third win hence intensifying their hunt for goals.

Their efforts paid off in the 38th minute as Diana Namachanja scored from the spot following a foul in the circle that earned them a penalty stroke that pitted her against goalkeeper Diana Kirui.

Not willing to go down without a proper fight, Twinkle improved by defending well and pushing forward in hunt for an equaliser.