LAISER IN SWEET REVENGE: Champions reclaim Sevens rugby title from Upper Hill

METROPOLITAN REGION SECONDARY SCHOOLS SPORTS 2016 Laiser Hill Rugby school team's Daniel Taabu, left and Victor Odhiambo challenges Saidi Abdala, centre, of Upper Hill School during the annual Metropolitan Region Secondary Schools Sports Term 2A Games at Makueni County on Saturday, May 28, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD[

Laiser Hill Academy said revenge is a dish best served cold.

The Kajiado County champions humbled last year’s winners Upper Hill 19-12 as the regional Term 2A games ended yesterday at Makueni Boys School.

During Term One 15s rugby final, Upper Hill came out victors as Laiser half-heatedly relinquished their crown. So, when the two sides qualified for this term’s Sevens final, the die had been cast — Laiser were not going to let go a chance for revenge.

And surely, it came to pass and in a befitting manner too. Laiser Hill captain Daniel Taabu led from the front, scoring nine points. He told Feverpitch they were determined to win the titles because they had promised the entire school that they will deliver the trophy.

“A man can’t lose twice and to the same opponent; that was our motivation. We all wanted this trophy because that was the only way we could make amends for our failure in 15s,” Taabu said.

After their disappointing show in rugby 15s, which saw them lose their regional, national and East Africa titles, they shifted their focus to the Sevens contest.

“We were the biggest losers because we lost three major titles in one match. We had to strategise and improve on our discipline and increase our output on pitch and I am glad our efforts are paying off,” he added.

Determined not to fall twice to their nemesis, Laiser Hill shook off a scare that had seen Upper Hill take the through Phares Mbadi’s fourth-minute try.

Chris Asira levelled the scores three minutes later, with Taabu converting to give them a 7-5 lead at the break.

Meanwhile, Syumile are the new netball champions after their 57-22 victory over Utithi in a repeat of the Makueni County final. St Dorcas defeated Kyethiivo 45-9 to finish third. In handball, Makongeni and Matuu Memorial reclaimed their boys and girls titles. Makongeni beat Nduluni 22-11, while Memorial prevailed 22-15 over Utithi in the final.

Last year’s champions New Jogoo Road lost 8-16 to Lema Girls in the playoff final to finish fourth, while Aquinas Boys did not go past the group stage.

In girls’ football, Olympic won 3-0 against Matuu Memorial, while Upper Hill lost 1-0 to Utithi.