Defending champions Wananchi suffered defeat in their opening game of the campaign as Weatherhead secured their first three points of the new season on Saturday in form of an inspiring 2-0 win in the National Hockey League.
Weatherhead, playing their second game of the campaign started on a low note, with their midfield hardly involved in the game, but the side progressively grew into the game and by the time the clock reckoned 25 minutes, the side was one up through striker Peter Elolu.
In this heavyweight super clash, player-coach Vincent Kasasa hit hard the ball but it bounced back and Elolu scored from a rebound to give his side the lead, ending the first 35 minutes 1-0.
And with five minutes to full time, Elolu turned provider as he dribbled past goal keeper Richard Kaijuka to set up Benon Lukyamuzi who hit the open net to make it 2-0, and for the second time in a row, Weatherhead were triumphing against Wananchi having beaten them in the final game of the campaign last year in what was a dead rubber as Wananchi had sealed the title already.
Wananchi showered a barrage of attacks to their opponents and this was evident by the numerous short corners they won, but all their plans were foiled as the Weatherhead defense proved a rock to hit.
The defending champions clearly missed their talisman Innocent Mbabali. The midfielder known for his distinction in short corners joined Kenyan side United States International University.
While it was not the case the previous years, the new Uganda Hockey Association rules prohibit a player from another league from participating in the domestic league.
It was a frustrating evening for Wananchi who lost only once last term enroute to their fourth successive league trophy as Weatherhead had 10 players including Kasasa at the back defending in the evening of the game, leaving only Elolu upfront.
Weatherhead, with three points climb up to second dislodging Kampala Stallions- who they lost to on the opening day- on goal difference.
Wananchi, meanwhile, are second from the bottom.
