All's well that ends well: Kenya runs away with EA trophy

25.August.2017 Johnstone Olindi of Laiser Hill in action against St. Marys Kisubi during the FEASSSA rugby game at Comboni Vocational Institute, Gulu, Uganda.

Despite losing five trophies in East Africa games, Kenyans top medal standings.

Kenya retained the overall Brookside East Africa Secondary Schools title despite losing five trophies at the just-concluded 2017 games staged in Gulu, Uganda.

Kenya collected 28 medals - 11 gold, seven silver, and 10 bronze - to extend their rule for yet another year.

Uganda, who were threatening to dethrone Kenya, finished second also with 28 medals, but were forced to once again play second fiddle with nine gold, 12 silver and 11 bronze medals. Uganda dethroned Kenya in the boys' football title and girls' handball and basketball.

Rwanda, who finished third with three gold, three silver, and three bronze medals, stripped Kenya of the boys' volleyball and handball titles.

Newcomers Muhuri Muchiri was the most impressive side after winning the rugby 7s title. Kenya was also represented by national champions Menengai and finalists Chavakali, but it was Muhuri Muchiri, the bronze medallists at the nationals, who remained standing before beating Uganda's Jinja Secondary School 14-7 and being crowned champions.

Despite injury threats, Muhuri Muchiri captain Harmony Wamalwa endured to the end to ensure his side carried the day and his efforts did not go unnoticed as he was named the championship's most valuable player (MVP).

Clinton Kioko of Laiser Hill was named the MVP in the longer version of the game after he helped his side to reclaim the title they won in 2015.

Kenya's hockey prowess was unchallenged as the Kenyan girls stood tall with a 1-2-3 finish. Sinyolo won their fifth straight title while national champions St Cecilia Misikhu and finalists St Joseph's Girls Kitale took silver and bronze respectively.

Kisumu Day secured their maiden East Africa boys' hockey title after topping the table with 14 points. St Charles Lwanga Kasasa had threatened to spoil Kenya's party but took silver while five-time champions St Anthony's Kitale settled for bronze.

Kisumu Day coach Booker Agutu was on cloud nine, saying the victory was a crowning moment in his coaching career.

"I had tried for years to win the national trophy but it never came to pass. After finishing third at the national games, I told my boys not to give up and to work harder for us to celebrate when it matters most. I'm glad it has come to pass," Agutu said.

Kwanthanze saved Kenya more blushes after they beat St Aloys of Rwanda 3-0 to reclaim the girls' volleyball title. Cheptil took bronze after dismissing 2015 winners G.S Indagaburezi in the third-place playoffs. Kenya relinquished the boys' volleyball title after last year's winners Malava and national champions Sengera SDA were eliminated at the group stage.