St Mary's Yala reclaim Nyanza Sevens crown

St Mary’s School, Yala are the Nyanza Secondary Schools rugby Sevens champions.

Yala needed a last-minute try to beat a sleek Nduru Boys side 12-7 in the final played at Asumbi Teachers Training College.

Kenya Under 19 international Chris Kenneth scored the try at the death to give Yala the victory. Kenneth had earlier given Yala the lead with a try which was converted by Glacious Owino. Sadwine Emanman reduced the deficit for Nduru with a try and a conversion.

However, both teams qualify for the national championships scheduled for Nakuru next week. Yala coach Ken Mukok said it was sweet revenge for Yala, who lost 12-0 to Nduru in the group stage.

“We rectified the mistakes which made us lose against Nduru in the preliminary matches. I’m happy we have reclaimed our title. We are now targeting the national crown,” said Mukok.

In the semis, Nduru Boys were inspired by brothers Purine and Puris Kaka as they upset defending champions Agoro Sare 12-10. Purine and Puris scored a trial each with Hiram Ngatia converting one. Breachen Ojwang and Marshal Omete scored Agoro Sare’s tries.

Nduru Boys captain Emanman said: “Our campaign here is a clear confirmation that rugby is about brains and not body size. We want to go to the nationals and give a good account of ourselves."

In the other semi-final, St Mary’s School Yala defeated rivals Maseno School 14-5.

In basketball, favourites Agoro Sare and Onjiko booked tickets to the boys semis where they will battle Nyanchwa Boys and Maranda School respectively.

Ototo School, coached by Clement Nyakinda, will play Bar-Chando in the final of the girls' basketball. Ototo thrashed Katolo 87-15 in a one-sided semi while in the other Bar-Chando beat St Angelas Sengera 52-20 in the other semi final. 

When the teams met in the opening game, Ototo beat Bar-Chando 68-28 and the defending champions will be seeking revenge against the debutants.

Kisumu Day remain on course to defend their boys' hockey title after beating Nduru Boys 2-1 to qualify for the semis. Kisumu Day will battle Pe-Hill with Nduru Boys will lock horns with  Ringa Boys.

In the girls' category, defending champions Sinyolo will be up against Agenga while Nyamira Girls will face Anding’o.

In boys' football, Kisumu Day defeated Kanga High School 1-0 to qualify for the semis while Gesabakwa from Kisii County defeated Gekendo from Nyamira 4-1 in the other game.

Kanga High School battled to a 1-1 draw against Barding to qualify for the semis where they will meet Agoro Sare.

In the girls' category, Nyakach reached the semis despite being held to a barren draw by minnows St Paul’s Agenga while Kobala defeated Gekomoni 1-0.

Kobala will face Jera for a slot in the final while Nyakach are up against Gekomoni.

In netball, Nyakach Girls will play Migori County’s Ogango in the semi-finals while Kobala will square it out with St Peter’s Keberesi from Kisii County.

In Friday’s matches, Nyakach beat Rirumi 50-04 and edged Keberesi 47-14. Kobala beat Oyugi Ogango 42-11 while Oyugi Ogango recovered to beat former champions Obambo 16-11.