Upset galore as KSSSA Term One games conclude in Machakos

Five days of sizzling action came to a halt on Saturday 13 April 2024 as the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term One Games ended in Machakos.

The games, which commenced on Tuesday 9 April, have been ongoing despite the tough climatic conditions.

Rugby 15s

All Saints Embu High School were crowned the winners of the 2024 edition after dethroning defending champions Butula 12-10 in a closely contested muddy affair that was played at the Machakos Boys Grounds.

The achievement saw them clinch their maiden KSSSA National 15s title.

They also earned the distinction of being the first team from the East Region to achieve such a feat.

The Saints, who are under the guidance of Benson Kinyua, won the match without scoring a single try.

The match was a repeat of the 2023 finals where Butula defeated the Saints 38-0.

Butula struck first with a try from full back Michael Lukusi.

The conversion attempt was unsuccessful and minutes later, it was Adrian Kwesa dancing through the Saints' defense to score the second try of the match.

The conversion too was unsuccessful.

However, the visibly undeterred Saints fought on, and a drop goal just before halftime added them three points to see the scores at 10-3 at the end of the first half.

The Saints came in guns blazing in the closing half, adding another drop goal to see the scores rise to 10-6.

They then forced the Western Champions to infringe, seeing them add another three points to see the scores closely tied at 10-9.

The hard-fighting Saints set up a thrilling climax, adding another penalty kick which won them the match.

The team's flyhalf Josephat Mbatia was the man of the match as he contributed to the nine crucial points that propelled All Saints to their victory.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the win, Kinyua noted that his dream finally came true.

Since starting his coaching career, he aimed at leading an Eastern region team to win the coveted KSSSA rugby 15s title.

He praised his boys for their resilience and perseverance.

"I am very happy. This is a great day for All Saints and the Eastern region in general. The boys had the right mindset and it worked wonders. Thank you to all our supporters. We will sharpen our skills further for the East African games," Kinyua offered.

Both finalists will represent Kenya in the upcoming East African games slated for August.

They will be joined by Kitondo High School who are also making their maiden KSSSA Rugby 15s appearance.

Kitondo defeated Lenana 13-9 in the third-place playoff to earn that landmark triumph.

All set for 2024 Great Rift 10s

Basketball

In basketball, Dr. Aggrey humbled Agoro Sare from Nyanza 56-54 in the heated match played at Machakos Boys Grounds.

The win saw them reclaim the title they first won in 2022.

The Coastal giants were looking to bounce back after suffering a narrow 54-53 defeat in the hands of Agoro Sare during the preliminary stage.

They shared the spoils (11-11) in the first quarter before Dr. Aggrey restructured and won the second quarter 22-12.

They would then go down in the third and fourth quarters (14-12) and (15-11).

In the girls' category, Butere Girls staged a remarkable comeback to see off Buruburu 49-43 in yet another heated match that attracted hundreds of fans.

List of Champions.

Rugby 15's

1.All Saints Embu- Eastern Region

2.Butula Boys- Western Region

3.Kitondo Eastern Region

Basketball Girls

1.Butere Girls- Western Region

2.Buruburu Girls- Nairobi Region

3.Kaya Tiwi- Coast Region

Basketball Boys

1.Dr. Aggrey- Coast Region

2.Agoro Sare- Nyanza Region

3.Laiser Hill- Rift Valley Region

Handball Boys

1.Kimilili Boys- Western Region

2.Hospital Hill- Nairobi Region

3.Saniak Boys- Rift Valley Region

Handball Girls

1.Moi Girls Kamusinga- Western Region

2.Kwanthanze Girls- Eastern Region

3.Murinduko Sec- Rift Valley Region

Hockey Boys

1.Musingu Boys- Western Region

2.St. Anthony's Boys Kitale- Rift Valley Region

3.St. Charles Lwanga- Coast Region

Hockey Girls

1.Tigoi Girls- Western Region

2.Nyamira Girls- Nyanza Region

3.St. Joseph's Girls Kitale- Rift Valley Region