• Last year’s champions Ambira settled for the third place after beating Siaya County rivals Maranda School 55-32 in the third-place playoff.
• Barchando retained the girls' title after beating Ng’iya Girls 52-34 in a Siaya County derby.
Image: Photo; ANGWENYI GICHANA
Agoro Sare needed a basket to win the boys’ basketball title as the curtain came down on the Nyanza region secondary schools Term One games at Homa Bay School.
Agoro Sare, enjoying the support of the principal James Momanyi, defeated former national champions Maseno School 56-54 in a nail-biting final.
Maseno won the first quarter 9-8 but Agoro Sare recovered to win the second 14-10. The third quarter ended 18 ups and Agoro Sare held on to win the title despite a 17-16 defeat in the last quarter.
Agoro Sare coach Paul Odok praised both teams for giving fans a memorable final.
He said: “It was a closely contested and competitive match which would have gone either way. I’m happy to win this title because, in the last two years, we lost in the finals. I want to thank the principal for the support he has given the team.”
Maseno coach Gordon Ogutu conceded defeat. “We played well but lost to a better opponent. It was a very tough game and it was not our day,” said Ogutu.
Last year’s champions Ambira settled for the third place after beating Siaya County rivals Maranda School 55-32 in the third-place playoff.
Barchando retained the girls' title after beating Ng’iya Girls 52-34 in a Siaya County derby. Barchando avenged their 50-52 loss against Ng’iya in the Siaya County Championships early this month.
Both teams started the game strongly with Barchando winning the first quarter 17-15 and the second 10-7. In the third quarter, Barchando extended their lead winning 11-4 and 14-8 in the last quarter.
Itierio Girls took the third position after a 43-35 win over debutants Tuk Jowi.
Agoro Sare completed a double at the regionals after beating Chianda 17-5 to win the rugby 7’s title.
Both teams, however, proceed to nationals. Austine Ochieng scored a try which he converted while Clinton Maina and Patrick Odongo also crossed the whitewash for Agoro Sare. George Ohore scored Chianda’s lone try.
I’m happy with the way this young team played because we lost key players last year. I hope for a fair draw at the nationals. Last year we were in the group of death.Barchando coach Hermon Omondi
Debutants Nduru Boys coached by J.J. Masime beat former champions Maseno School 24-0 to finish third.
It was sweet revenge for Maseno in 15’s rugby after narrowly beating St Mary’s School, Yala 10-5 in a tough final game. Last year, Yala qualified to the nationals after the final game was decided by a coin toss.
The teams had tied during regular, extra time and during penalty kicks.
Maseno captain Richel Wangila nailed a try which he converted before scoring a penalty for his team. Dockins Otieno scored Yala’s lone penalty.
Yala coach Ken Mkok said the game was tough. “I accept the result and promise to come back in a big way,” said Mkok.
Maseno’s Paul Nyamita was excited with the win, declaring that Maseno School is back. “We were disciplined and our defence was solid. I want to send a warning to teams at nationals that Maseno is back,” said Nyamita.
Sega beat Msare 25-21 to retain the girls' handball title while Kanyawanga also retained the boys' title after beating Mbita High 33-17.
Nyamira Girls won their maiden hockey title after a 2-0 victory over Ambassador Pamela Mboya. Phanice Otieno and Berly Okungu scored for Nyamira Girls. said Nyamira coach Eliakim Obondo.
Sinyolo Girls were suspended from the tournament for fielding an ineligible player. Hosts Homa Bay Boys beat defending champions K Day 3-2 on penalty flicks to lift their maiden title.