NAIROBI Water women romped into the semi-finals of the East and Central Africa Club Championships after beating Nkumba University 31-24 in a tough match at Nyayo Stadium.

They face compatriots and rivals Cereals Board, who are also the regional champions in the semi-finals. Cereals, who have not lost a game top Pool 'A'. The meeting between Nairobi Water and Cereals guarantees the host country a team in this year's finals where they will face-off against DR Congo's sides.

DR Congo's sides Heritage, who are also yet to lose a game would most likely be joined by another Congo side Police in the other semis. The most likely scenario in the finals will be a Kenyan versus Congo finals.

Against Nkumba University, Nairobi Water, urged on by their army of fans, battled the hard-fighting "Tornadoes" goal for goal in the first half, where they took a close 13-11 lead at the break. But upon resumption, this nip and tuck affair swung the Kenyans way after a 22-18 edge.

Gladys Chilo, Mitchelle Adhiambo and Marine Andala combined well then broke open a tough Nkumba defence as Africa Championships-bound Nairobi Water sailed away to book a semi-final ticket. Adhiambo and Andala each scored 7 goals while Chillo added 6.

For Nkumba, who gave as good account of themselves, the towering Namwaya Muhaimuna scored game high 10 goals and Atime Olive shot another 6. Coach Asimwe Issa blamed the loss on experience and exposure.

Commenting on their date with Cereals Board, the hard running Chilo said they intend to give it their all. "We are ready for them and no one has an advantage. The better team will win," she said, adding that injuries suffered by their three key players might play to their disadvantage.

From Pool 'B' Heritage of DR Congo are tops and will meet either compatriots Police or Ngome of Tanzania who were set to meet in a later match. Ngome had lost 29-17 to Cereals before pipping St. John 22-21 in their second match.

Strathmore University blanked Kenyatta University 17-13 while University of Nairobi also won 31-22 over Glorious. The six-day championships comes to a close tomorrow. Cereals and DR Congo's Police are favoured to battle it out in the men's finals.