In a breathtaking showdown at the Brookside National Term One Games in Machakos, All Saints Embu seized the coveted rugby 15s crown, toppling defending champions Butula Boys in a gripping 12-10 final clash.
In a repeat of last year's finale, where Butula Boys reigned supreme with an emphatic 38-0 win in Eldoret, this year's duel was laden with anticipation and redemption for the determined Embu squad.
Speaking post-triumph, All Saints' mastermind, Benson Mwenda, revealed a strategic shift in their approach, declaring, "This year, we vowed to rewrite the script. The overwhelming support from our fans fueled our drive."
Mwenda attributed their triumph to relentless training and unwavering commitment from his players. "Our rigorous training regimen, underscored by a dedication to fitness, ultimately clinched the victory for us," he emphasized.
Meanwhile, in a pulsating boys' basketball finale, Coastal powerhouse Dr. Aggrey edged out Agoro Sare 56-54 to claim the championship mantle.
Principal and team coach, Robert Aran, lauded his squad's tenacity, highlighting their participation in the Coastal basketball league as pivotal in honing their skills.
“The team also plays in the Coastal Region basketball league. That has given the players a platform to sharpen their skills,” he noted.
Aran underscored the school's holistic approach to education and sports, emphasising, "We pride ourselves on achieving excellence both on the court and in the classroom. Our ethos is to nurture talent while fostering academic prowess."
Looking ahead, Aran affirmed their commitment to defending their title, asserting, "Our journey doesn't end here. We're already gearing up to defend our crown next year."
Echoing the sentiment of fierce competition, Mwenda commended the calibre of adversaries in this year’s event.
“The competition was stiff; we could not tell who would win till the final whistle. If you look at teams like Laiser Hill, Dagoretti, Agoro Sare and Lukenya, the competition has gotten very high and this is good for developing the rate of basketball in the country,” he stated
In a display of grit and finesse, Butere Girls demonstrated their mettle, clinching a hard-fought 49-43 victory over Buruburu to retain their national title.
Butere Girls' head coach Chris Odeke acknowledged the tough competition from Buruburu but stated that his team was up to the task.
“It was a tough game. We expected this but strategised on how to handle the pressure. We were up to the task,”
Pointing out a tactical switch that saw them run away with the lead, Odeke stated that he had instructed his girls to cut off supply to Buruburu forwards.
“I told my players to deal with their playmaker. We needed to get the ball off her hands and the players heeded my instructions
In the realm of hockey, reigning champions Musingu exhibited composure, securing a commanding 3-1 win over St. Anthony Kitale to defend their title, while Tigoi Girls dethroned Nyamira to clinch the coveted trophy and earn a spot in the East African Games.
In a thrilling Finale, Moi Girls' Kamusinga emerged triumphant, besting Kwanthanze 24-15 in the girls' hockey with Kamilili overcoming Hospital Hill 20-15 in the boys' event.
