GOOD START: Cheptil beat Tetu in volleyball as East Africa School games serve off

Tetu High School's Kennedy Toek (4) and Meshack Kerich (12) bocks attact from Dismas Rono of Cheptil Hiigh School during their East Afrca Secondary School Games volleball match at Eldoret Polytechinic, Uasin Gishu County on August 27, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Homeboys and former Brookside East Africa Secondary Schools boys' volleyball champions Cheptil were off to a flying start as the regional show began yesterday in Eldoret.

The two-time winners survived an early scare to come from one set down and beat their opponents 3-1 in a four-set thriller in a pool A encounter. Cheptil captain Micah Lagat said that his charges were taking one match at a time as they seek to reclaim the title they last won in 2012.

"Just like all our opponents our main objective is to win this year's trophy. We are all committed to this course and our eyes are fixed on the prize and a match at a time is our strategy," Lagat said.

He added that winning their opening encounter had boost their morale and they were looking forward to their next tie with victory in mind.

Cheptil had a slow start fighting from behind as they allowed Tetu to take charge of the set. That proved costly as Tetu snatched it 25-21 forcing them to work extra harder to avoid disappointment.

Cheptil came into the second set more composed and in 19 minutes, they had restored parity by taking the second set 25-18. There was no looking back for the national champions as they went ahead to take the third set 25-21. The two sets ignited fire in both sides as they battling to take the fourth set.

Both teams played their hearts out as Tetu fought hard hoping to win the fourth set and draw level to revive their hopes of earning their first points. However, Cheptil were not ready to allow a fifth set as they charged on to take their victory 25-22.

In another boys group A tie, reigning champions Rusumo of Rwanda announced their intended title defense with a resounding 3-0 (25-20, 25-21 and 25-14) win over their Rwandan counterparts Lycee de Nyanza.

Rusumo captain Fred Muvunyi said that they are in the country to give their best and retain their title. "We want to play our best game put in more effort so we can retain our trophy. I know it is not going to be easy because all teams have prepared well and are after us because that is the only way they can have their hands on the crown but we are ready for the challenge," Muvunyi said.