By Oscar Pilipili
Nairobi, Kenya;Kakamega team retained 15s rugby title after they beat St Mary’s Yala 18-3 in a tight final in Brookside National Secondary Schools Championships at Mang’u.
Nelson Sangara of Kakamega scored the fastest try of the tournament when he crossed the line with barely less than 30 seconds after the first whistle. Enterprising Edga Khafumi converted the try to hand Kakamega 7-0 lead.
Kakamega team, also known as Barbarians, then scored two penalties through Billy Isabwa to take 13-0 half time lead. The experienced Barbarians added one more try in the second half when Daniel Abwonji landed to stretch their lead to 18-0.
St Mary’s, dubbed the Mighty Saints among their fans, could only manage three points off Felix Juma’s penalty.
Kakamega and St Mary’s have automatically qualified for East African Games by virtue of reaching the final. Kangaru of Northern defeated newcomers Nakuru Day 20-0 in play-off to claim bronze.
In netball, Obambo of Lake Region dethroned champions Shimba Hills of Mombasa 45-19 to be crowned new queens.
Obambo dominated the match from the start to the end with Captain Jackline Odhiambo playing key role.
Obambo were up 15-7 at half time and they maintained the lead to win the match with comfortable 26 points. The final whistle was met with contrasting reaction by both teams.
For Obambo it was song and dance as players celebrated victory against Shimba Hills who defeated them in last year’s final. However, for Shimba Hills players, it was too much to bear.
Obambo Coach Austin Ochieng said: “My joy is more than just beating Shimba Hills. The fact that I have beaten a sponsored talent centre makes me feel great.”
