Maseno School rugby 15's team steps up preps ahead ofregionals

Nyanza region secondary schools rugby 15’s champions Maseno School have stepped up preparations ahead of next week’s regional games at Kisii School.

Since retaining the Kisumu county title at Chemelil Academy two weeks ago, Maseno School have played three build-up matches, winning two and losing one.

Coach Steve Oluoch said the friendlies have helped him adequately prepare for the championship which will start on Tuesday and run until Saturday next week.

In the buildup matches, Maseno School narrowly beat Western region champions Kakamega High 6-3 before seeing off Chavakali 10-0 in the second game.

In the last friendly, Equator Boys succumbed to a 28-14 loss against national 7’s champions Koyonzo.  Maseno won the regional title in 2019 when rugby 15’s was last played by beating archrivals St Mary’s School, Yala 15-10 at Homa Bay School.

“Our target is to defend our title. The friendly matches have helped us address our weak areas which we identified at the county championships.”

Maseno will, however, face stiff competition from arch-rivals St Mary’s Yala, Migori county champions St Joseph’s Rapogi, Homa Bay School, and hosts Kisii School.

Maseno School defeated Nyabondo 12-8 to win the Kisumu county title. Both teams proceed to the regionals.

On Thursday, St Mary’s Yala coach Ken Mukok said: “It will be fireworks but we are ready for any team.”

Yala thrashed Ambira 43-0 to retain the Siaya County title. The draws will be conducted in Kisumu on Saturday.

Meanwhile, regional hockey champions Nyamira Girls coach Eliakim Obondo is wary of former champions Sinyolo Girls, upcoming Agenga, Andingo, Amaiko, Lwak Girls and Kereri.

“We don’t want to underrate any team. We shall take all games as finals,” said Obondo who spoke on behalf of other Nyamira coaches.

At the same time, the Nyanza region Secondary Schools Sports Association swimming gala will be held at Aga Khan Primary School in Kisumu on Saturday.

The gala will start at 8 am and participants have until Friday 10 am to register, according to regional secretary Tom Odhiambo.

He added that schools will enter two participants per category. “We expect new entrants this year,” added Odhiambo.