Malava thump rivals Cheptil: Defending champs off to a good start

Malava Boys' Aliud Kipkurui, centre, spikes as Cheptile's Michael Lagat, left and Isaiah Kurgat during Airtel Rising Stars at Machakos Boys on Friday, July 31, 2015. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO

Reigning national boys volleyball champions Malava of Nzoia Region thrashed bitter rivals Cheptil of Mau 3-1 (25-23, 28-26, 20-25 and 25-16) to storm the semi-finals of this year's Airtel Rising Stars national secondary schools Term Two B games currently on in Kisumu. They had dismissed Northern's Waberi 3-0 (25-11, 25-10 and 25-11) in their championship opener. Their aim to win was evident as they composed themselves despite a slow start to win the match that was termed as a final before the finals.

Malava coach Shadrack Tovoko told Feverpitch that he was well aware of the challenge Cheptil pause in the championship thus the need to up their game as the competition advances. "They are a very good side that can easily snatch our crown that is why we had to play our hearts out. It is just the beginning and the best of what all teams have to offer can only be expected in the finals," Tovoko said.