St Mary’s Yala on Saturday retained the Nyanza Region Secondary Schools rugby 7s title after beating Friends School Anjego 25-4 at Cardinal Otunga High School.’
Yala was dominant with Brian Ooko and Joseph Onyango crossing the whitewash in the first half to give Yala a 10-5 lead. Steve Otieno landed Ajego’s unconverted try.
In the second half, Albert Otieno and Innocent Murunda scored two quick-fire tries for Yala to dash Ajego’s hopes of a comeback. Angelo Makori converted two tries.
Yala coach George Kerima said: “We came here to retain our title and I am happy we did it. In the final, we were more experienced side than Anjego and that gave us an edge over them. However, they played well and they deserved to be in the final. ”
Anjego coach and principal J.J Masime conceded defeat. “We had our chances but we did not make use of them and Yala had theirs and utilised them. Yala used their experience to win the final,” said Masime.
He added: “When we came here, our target was to reach the final although most people had written us off. I’m proud of my boys.”
In the semi-finals, Yala beat Kisii School 12-7 while Nyanjego defeated Otieno Oyoo 12-5.
In the third-place play-off, Kisii School beat 17-12 to finish on the podium. Kisii School needed a sudden death try from Morgan Ochiel to win the game after the teams had tied 12-12 in regular time.
In girls’ 7s, Nyakach bagged the title after a 15-0 win over Nyagichenche Mixed from Kisii County. Edith Ngoje, Regina Auma and Joan Ndemo crossed the whitewash for Nyakach.
Nyakach coach Kevin Otuoma said: “The girls played excellent rugby and I’m happy we emerged winners. Nyagichenche were equally good but it was not their day.”
Nyagichenche coach Dennis Onyango rued missed chances and injuries to key players. “In the final, I played without three first-team players. My bench was depleted due to injuries but I’m satisfied with the way the girls performed,” said Onyango.
In the playoff, Nyakongo Girls edged Sidindi 10-0 to win the game. Girls' rugby is being played in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association for the first time.
