KSSSA: Butula, All Saints clash in rugby 15s final
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 12.04.24. | 20:30
The final will be curtain raised by a third-place playoff match pitting Kitondo against Lenana at 8 am
Rugby fans will be treated to a nerve-wracking Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) rugby 15s final when defending champions Butula Boys tackle All Saints Embu on Saturday, 13 April at the Machakos Boys Grounds.
The match will be a repeat of the 2023 KSSSA rugby 15s final where Butula outclassed All Saints 38-0 to claim their maiden title.
To reach the pinnacle of the competition, Butula saw off Kitondo High School of Eastern Region 32-23.
They scored tries through John Onyango, Michael Lukusi, Daniel Wafula, Pravin Ouma, and a brace from Joseph Wakhisi. Captain Adran Kwesa managed a sole conversion.
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Their opponents Kitondo scored a sole try through David Irungu. Mutisya Mutua’s magical feet added the extras and he also scored drop goals.
On the other hand, All Saints sailed to the final after edging Lenana 33-10.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the match, All Saints Embu’s coach Benson Kinyua was enchanted with his charges’ fighting spirit. He noted they were keen to break the jinx and win the coveted title.
Despite a slow start to the game, he lauded his charges for sticking to their game plan.
“Today’s game was fine. The first minutes were a bit difficult but we went on with our gameplan and it opened up at the end of the day,” he offered.
Kinyua further observed that the level of competition in the school games has grown tremendously, noting that there was a need to up his game.
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The two sides met during the last pool stage match where Butula narrowly survived All Saints’ raid by a 12-9 score.
Kinyua noted that they are keen to apply the lessons learned from that game to propel them to victory.
“This year’s competition is intense compared to last year. But we are in the finals again. This year we want to get the cup. We met Butula during the pool stage, know their tactics, and will beef up our skills to win this game,” he revealed.
The tactician also lamented over the poor condition of the field, noting that it cost his players several points.
“The ground is wet and it has been difficult. If it was dry, we would collect more points,” he averred.
On his side, Butula Boys’ gaffer Shimenga Livondo remained confident that his charges would bring the coveted trophy home.
They won their inaugural rugby 15s title in Eldoret last year and are hoping to retain it this year.
“The game was amazing. My boys performed well. We are in the finals for the second consecutive time and it was part of our plan. We want to assure the people of Bungoma that we will return home with the trophy,” Livondo offered.
The final will be curtain raised by a third-place playoff match pitting Kitondo against Lenana at 8 am. The main action will be at 10 am.
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