Cardinal Otunga High crowned new Nyanza region rugby 7s champions

Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho, are the new Nyanza region secondary schools' rugby 7s champions.

Cardinal Otunga beat Migori champions Friends School Anjego 24-0 to lift their first-ever regional rugby 7s title in an entertaining final played at Homa Bay High School on Friday evening.

Eugine Ochieng scored a hat-trick while Joshua Moturi added the fourth try. Charles Njoroge converted two tries as Cardinal Otunga led 12-0 at the break.

“I’m happy with how the boys played today. They completely outplayed Anjego in all departments. The boys gave their all throughout the championships. We now go back home and prepare for the nationals,” said Cardinal Otunga coach Edwin Metobo.

Both Cardinal Otunga and Anjego booked slots for the national championships to be held at MPesa Academy from July 28 to August 1.

In the semi-finals, Cardinal Otunga edged Otieno Oyoo 7-0 in a tightly contested match while Anjego beat Gendia 21-0.

In the girls’ category, Sigoti Complex from Kisumu County retained their title after a comfortable 29-0 victory against Nyagichenche Mixed from Kisii county.

Stephanie Achieng scored three tries while Stephanie Achieng, Shirleen Ingawa and Joy Awuor added other tries. Ingawa also converted twice during the one-sided game.

Sigoti advanced to the finals after a hard-fought 10-5 win over Sidindi, while Nyagichenche overcame Asumbi Girls 14-5 in another semi final.

Gordon Otieno, the Sigoti head coach, said: “We now have both the Nyanza region 15s and 7s champions. I’m proud of the girls, and I want to thank the school management for the support.”

Nyagichenche coach Dennis Onyango conceded defeat. “Fatigue contributed to our loss. However, I’m happy because we have progressed to nationals. Our focus now is to play in the national finals and qualify for East Africa games,” said Onyango.

Both Nyagichenche and Sigoti Complex have qualified for the national championships.