St Mary’s Yala continued to stamp their authority on the Nyanza Region secondary schools rugby sevens by defending their title with an impressive 25-4 win over Friends School Anjego at Cardinal Otunga High School.
Yala dominated proceedings from the start, with Brian Ooko and Joseph Onyango going over for tries in the opening half, while Otieno Steve managed to get an unconverted try for Anjego as hosts Yala commanded proceedings 10-5 at the break.
The visitors increased their lead in the second half, tries from Albert Otieno and Innocent Murunda coming in quick succession to kill the game. Angelo Makori converted two tries to confirm a comprehensive win for Yala.
Yala coach George Kerima was all full of praise for his team’s fine display of experience: “We came here for our title defence and happy we did it. At the final, we were the more experienced team and that gave us an edge over Anjego. Though they played well, they deserved to be in the final.”
Anjego’s coach and principal, J.J Masime swallowed the loss like a good sport: “We had our chances but did not make use of them, while Yala utilized theirs. It is the experience that won Yala the final. When we came here, our target was to reach the final, and though most people had written us off, I’m proud of my boys.”
Semi-finals and Third Place Play-offs
In the semis, St Mary’s Yala beat off Kisii School 12-7 while Anjego shook off Otieno Oyoo 12-5. The third-place play-off ended 17-12 for Kisii School against Otieno Oyoo following a real sudden death try from Morgan Ochiel after teams levelled 12-12 in regular time.
Girls’ Rugby 7s Inaugural Championship
Nyakach won the first-ever girls’ rugby 7s 15-0 against Nyagichenche Mixed of Kisii County. Tries for Nyakach came through Edith Ngoje, Regina Auma, and Joan Ndemo.
“The girls played excellent rugby, and I’m happy we emerged winners,” said Nyakach coach Kevin Otuoma. “Nyagichenche were equally good, but it was not their day.”.
Nyagichenche coach Dennis Onyango lamented missed chances and injuries to key players: “In the final, I fielded without three of my first-team players. Notably, my bench consisted of only two players out of injury, but I’m impressed with how the girls played.”
In the girls’ play-off, Nyakongo Girls grabbed a 10-0 win over Sidindi. This year’s competition marked the first time girls’ rugby was featured in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association.