Kibabii, Sigalagala, Kitale pick wins in Lake Victoria 15s pre-quarterfinals

The second edition of the Lake Victoria 15s preseason tournament went down on Saturday, October 21, in different venues across the Western and Nyanza regions. The matches were played in Vihiga, Kibabii University Grounds, Kakamega ASK Grounds, and Kitale, Equip Africa Grounds.

Kibabii, hold off Shamberere.

Kibabii University outmuscled Shamberere Technical Training Institute 11-10 to win the first pre-quarterfinal of the Lake Victoria 15s preseason tournament that was played at the Kibabii University Grounds on Saturday, October 21.

Shamberere TTI dominated the opening half, scoring two penalties and an unconverted try that put them ahead of their opponents. Rially Chemos drilled in the penalties, with Collins Welasa going over with the five-pointer to bring the score to 11-0 at halftime.

In the final half, Kibabii University staged a comeback to score a penalty and a converted try to see them fall short by a point. Ian Munahela scored for the students, with Jose NYS adding the conversion. Jose also drilled in the penalty for Kibabii.

Kitale RFC overpowers Bungoma RFC.

At the same time, Kitale RFC was off to a flying start, seeing off Bungoma RFC 22-7 in the match played at the Equip College in Kitale.

The home team controlled the opening half to score three tries and convert two to see them take a 19-0 lead at halftime.

Jeremiah Kingi opened the scoresheet with an unconverted five-pointer that put Kitale ahead.

Following that, Shadrack Nyongesa added another try for the home team, and this time Richard Aserabo was sure with the conversion to bring the score to 12-0. Aserabo went on to score another try and convert it for Kitale RFC to take a 19-0 win before halftime.

After a spirited fight, Bungoma RFC managed a converted try courtesy of Legend Nick, with Ronald Wanyama ingraining the conversion.

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Kitale RFC's Aserabo was back on the scoresheet in the dying minutes of the closing half, this time drilling in a penalty that blew the scores to 22-7 before the sound of the final whistle.

Sigalagala edged Vihiga Granites 19-6 in the third match.

According to tournament director Eric Ondieki, the first round was a resounding success, despite some matches being played in rainy conditions. The tournament was played in different venues across the Nyanza and Western regions.

"The first round was fulfilling. Despite the heavy rains, we met our expectations," Ondieki told Mozzart Sport.

This tournament also aims to recognize the potential and talent that often go unnoticed at the grassroots level. By providing these teams with a platform to showcase their talents, the event not only elevates the level of competition but also offers them an opportunity to market themselves. This exposure is instrumental in attracting sponsors and support.

"We want to build the capacity of the lower-ranked teams, especially the nationwide teams, and give them an opportunity to market themselves. and attract sponsors," Ondieki explained.

The tournament will culminate with a bang. The finals of the Lake Victoria 15s will curtain-raise the return leg of the Victoria Cup that is scheduled for November 11. The Kenya Lionesses and Kenya Simbas will face off with their Ugandan counterparts in the same venue.

Collated results:

1. Kibabii University 10–11 Shamberere TTI

2. Sigalagala 19-6 Vihiga Granites

3. Kitale 22–7 Bungoma

Quarterfinals: Saturday, October 28

Kabras Sugar vs. Winner of Pre-Quarterfinal 1

Western Bulls vs. Winner of Pre-Quarterfinal 2

Masinde Muliro vs. Winner of Pre-Quarterfinal 3

Kisumu vs. Winner of the Pre-Quarterfinal 4

Semifinals: Saturday, November 4

Finals: Saturday, November 11