T. NashipaeKSSSA Games: Battle lines drawn as regional rugby champions are decided
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 23.07.23. | 11:25
The Term Two national games are set for Kakamega High School from 8 to 14 August.
Koyonzo Stormers triumph in Western
Koyonzo High School Rugby Team reclaimed the Western Region Rugby 7 title after defeating Vihiga High School 17-7 in the finals played at the Bull Ring in Kakamega.
Prior to the final stage, the side popularly known as Koyonzo Stormers had won 36-5 over Kolanya before their 27-0 victory over Kimobo High School in the semifinals.
Their opponents Vihiga High on the other hand were coming from a 33-5 win over Mukumu High in the quarterfinals, and a 24-0 triumph over Bungoma High School.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Koyonzo Stormers head coach Elly Okwemba praised his boys' efforts, noting that they worked on their gray areas ahead of the final.
“I am very happy for what the boys have achieved. We were working on attack and defense and the few injuries that we had and we emerged champions. Some of the boys that performed really well include Brandon Mulefu, Poul Angura, and Miracle Kiptoo,” Okwemba offered.
Alliance High School win in Central
Alliance High School claimed the Central Region Rugby 7s title following a 12-7 win over Kiambu High School. The boys have not lost the title since the Covid-19 break.
In the semifinals stage, Kiambu High defeated Magumu High 10-5 while Alliance won 29-5 over Makuyu High School.
Menengai High shine in Rift Valley
Nakuru-based Menengai High School were crowned winners of the 2023 Rift Valley Region Rugby 7s after a narrow 10-7 win over Friends School Bwake in the final played in Nanyuki, Nyahururu County.
The winners have not lost a single game from the zonal level. In the semis, the boys won 41-5 over Kabartegan Secondary School while Friends School Bwake defeated Elgeyo Marakwet's St Patrick's Iten 21-7.
Garashi outsmart opponents in Coast
Tana River-based Garashi High School emerged winners of the Coastal Region Rugby 7s after managing a 19-5 win over Shimba High School in the final played at the Wundanyi Stadium.
To qualify for the final stage, Shimba Hills had won 24-0 over Mwavumbo High while Garashi High outmuscled St Mary's High 12-7.
Upper Hill impress in Nairobi
In Nairobi region, Upper Hill took full advantage of their home advantage to edge out Lenana High School 14-12 in the closely contested final. Despite losing, Lenana will be representing the region in the nationals.
Upperhill stormed their way into the final by brushing aside Garden High 31-7 in the quarterfinals before seeing off Dagoretti 21-0 in the semifinals.
Lenana, on the other hand, had edged out Nairobi School 7-5 in the other semi-final and defeated Hospital Hill 12-5 in the quarterfinals.
According to Upperhill coach James Mwangi, witnessing the boys' impressive performance was satisfying. The tactician is an alumni of Kaya Tiwi and Upper Hill.
“It feels better because it is what we were training for. The boys are also happy for the fight they put in the final," Mwangi told Mozzart Sport.
Kitondo win in Eastern
In the Eastern region, classy Kitondo High School edged Kangaru High School 24-05 in the final to win the coveted title.
Nyanza Region Rugby Sevens matches are ongoing in Siaya.
