Rehema Academy beat debutants Kimalewa 12-7 to win the Western region secondary schools girls’ 7’s rugby title.
Rehema, representatives of the region in the last edition of the championship at the nationals, needed a sudden death try to lift the title during the tournament which was held at St Thomas Aquinas Madende in Busia County.
Stella Wepondi put Kimalewa in the lead with the first try, which was converted by Hezla Nekesa to give the debutants a 7-0 lead at half time. In the second half, a rejuvenated Rehema, coached by the principal Suleiman Mayabi, got off to a flying start when Rosina Chepketum touched down and converted the try.
The game ended 7-7 in regulation time before time, Sheila Ayuma sprinted from the middle of the field to score a try for Rehema in extra time.
Rehema and Kimalewa proceed to nationals. In the semis, Rehema defeated Mukumu Girls 17-0 while Kimalewa saw off Bungoma county compatriots Nang’eni 14-0.
A total of 15 teams from Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega and Bungoma, participated in the tournament that was sponsored by the Kenya Rugby Union.
“It was a highly competitive tournament. This confirms that the game is growing in this region and we hope our teams will do well in the nationals,”
said area rugby development officer, Vincent Barasa. KRU age-grade and women rugby development coordinator, Nick Aballa said Nairobi and Eastern will do their championship this weekend. Nyanza region were the first to hold their championship where Barchando emerged winners.
