The Vijana Netball League (VNL) has expanded to Meru, with seven teams now competing as the competition entered match week two, while the main league in Nairobi reached match week ten with Nairobi Swifts leading the women’s table and Frost Reapers topping the men’s standings.
Speaking on Sunday at Meru Teachers Training College, league coordinator Mariam Chepkemoi said more teams from institutions and residential estates have shown interest in joining the competition, a sign that netball is gaining popularity through regular matches.
“We are in match week two and currently have three women’s teams and four men’s teams. However, we are now receiving requests and inquiries from other local and institutional clubs that want to join us,” said Chepkemoi.
Matches played at Meru TTC saw Royals dominate the women’s category, beating Craners 26–9, MTC Ladies 30–8 and Goldens 21–14. MTC Ladies defeated Craners 21–11 but later lost to Goldens 24–8.
In the men’s category, Netblaze dominated MTC 32–13 in their first match before beating Netkings 15–11 in their second game.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, the VNL main league matches were played on Sunday at the National Youth Service (NYS) grounds. In the women’s category, Nairobi Swifts beat Realers 32–29, Ashut thrashed Royal Nets 43–14 but later lost 14–12 to Crystals, Roses defeated Royal Nets 33–4, NYS beat Crystals 41–15, while Net Girls overcame NYS 35–15.
Only two men’s matches were played in Nairobi on Sunday, with hosts NYS suffering a 41–15 defeat, while the much-anticipated derby between Nairobi Swifts and Frost Reapers ended with the Nairobi side winning 32–29.
The league will resume next Sunday in both Meru and Nairobi.