By Solomon Nwoke

Status quo ruled at the first phase of the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League which ended yesterday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja as the male and female defending Champions, Kano Pillars and Safety Babes of Abuja retained their titles.

Both teams left no one in doubt about their status in the league from the first game of the league as they won all their matches with good margin.

Kano Pillars dismissed the Lagos Seasiders by 40-33  to amass a total of 33points +105 goal difference to maintain their title while the Safety Babes maintained their place with a total of 27 points and +84 goal difference.

Safety Shooters are placed second on the log with 31points with +90 goal difference while Niger United were third, just as Sokoto Rima Queens queued behind Safety Babes with 24points with+30 goal difference after they thrashed Lagos Seasiders Babes in their last game of the league by 32-18.

Reacting to their victory yesterday, elated coach of the team, Solomon Yola was full of praises for his team and the organization of the league. He said the victory in the first phase of the league  has made it easy for them in the next phase of the league.

“ We are not going to relax, we’ll keep on working hard to maintain our level. I know that the next phase will be smoky as all the teams are going to try to upset us. Our victory is as a result of hard work and motivation by the state government and I am happy we are paying him back with this good performance”, said Yola.

In other matches played yesterday, Rima Strikers defeated Owena Kings by 36—24 as Confluence stars walked over Kada Kings by 10-0 while the D Defenders over powered Police Machine by 25-24 and Benue Buffalos bowed to Tojemarine Academy by 31-37. Safety Shooters also defeated Niger United by 26–23. 0

In the female category, Kada Queens were walked over by Benue Queens  10—0 while cash strapped  Imo Grasshoppers settled for a fourth consecutive draw with Bendel Dynamos 21—21 as Sokoto Rima Queens defeated Seasider babes of Lagos by 32-18 just as Plateau Peacocks lost to Safety Babes  28—32 and NSCDC Defender Babes whitewashed Adorable Angels of Ilorin by 40-26