By Joseph Ngure
Nakuru, Kenya: The Nakuru Regional Secondary Schools games kicked off in Iten on Thursday with defending champions battling to retain their trophies.
Terige Boys from Nandi County took to the ring shoulder high, beating Bomet County Rugby defending champions Longisa Boys in rugby while newcomers Kipkeino High School from Uasin Gishu narrowly edged out Kapsabet Boys in basketball during opening matches held at St Patrick’s Iten.
Terige, pillared by winger Kasim Khalid, proved their prowess after hauling 14 tries in the first half characterised by breath-taking scammers and tackles from the experienced team.
The Nandi County champions outplayed Longisa 51-3 after Kevin Kibet, Terige’s centre player, converted a penalty during the last minutes of the match.
In basketball boys’ preliminaries, Longisa Boys piped Narok Boys of Narok County, posting 26 baskets against 23.
Loreto boys outclassed Longisa after routing Chebara from the host county 23-15 in the second preliminary match, while Kapsabet boys narrowly lost to Kipkeino 25-24 in their Pool.
Kipkeino, who did not advance beyond the regional level last year, is leaving nothing to chance, displaying confidence under the guidance of their coach Dennis Onyango.
“Playing against Kapsabet boys was our biggest headache. Now that we have overcome them, our dream of making it to the nationals this year has taken shape. My players are fully charged for more accolade,” said Onyango.
Emining Secondary from Baringo County tamed Kabianga (Kericho) (34-24) with Kipkeino maintained winning streak, topping their pool after edging out the latter 46-20 to qualify to the semis.
In netball, Baringo’s Kasisit was too strong for Chemaner of Bomet in a contest that ended in 56-19, in their favour.
St Francis Cheptarit (Nandi) advanced to the semis after hammering Chemaner 56-19.
Nandi’s Kapkolei Girls pulled back from the last quarter after being floored by Nakuru’s Bahati Girls 15-10. It was after intensified coaching from their coaches that the queens turned tables on Bahati, winning the game in 19-17.
Kipsigis girls eliminated Kapropita Girls of Baringo 35-25, while host Kapkenda showed little respect to St Mary’s Girls, crushing them 27-5. Moi Girls Eldoret wiped Kaboson 61-7 in a lopsided match in the same pool.
Kapkolei and Kaboson booked their tickets to the semis after posting 49-12 and 12-8 victories against Kapropita and St Mary’s.
Meanwhile, athletics events kicked off at Kamariny Stadium yesterday with runners going through the semis.
International Moses Mukono of St Patrick’s, who missed a medal in Bydgoszcz last Sunday despite staring in local cross-country meetings, will be marked by opponents with strong wit to run against champions.
Duncan Nkaru from Kipkeino High, who travelled to Barcelona last to represent Kenya in 200m, will be making fresh start against training mate Abraham Guod in the sprints.
