Kakamega, Maseno rule Yala Games

Kakamega High and Mbarara High School players in a past match. [File]

East Africa 15s rugby champions Kakamega High School kicked off their campaign at the ninth edition of the Yala Invitational School Games on a high note after winning all their opening group matches at St Mary’s Yala, Siaya County yesterday.

Kakamega High saw off Maseno 13-0 in their opening match before thrashing Bushiangala 22-0 in their second match.

A narrow 3-0 win against rivals St Peter’s Mumias in their final match of the day saw the Amos Wamanga-led side finish unbeaten heading into the knock out stages today.

Speaking after the win, Wamanga credit their success to their school administration support and hard work in training.

“I am very proud of the boys performance. Without early preparations aided by the support from the school we wouldn’t be playing better the way we did,” said Wamanga.

“The tournament is a good exposure for the young players who have truly missed these high adrenaline games during the two years of Covid-19 but we are back. Our goal is to be top and now we await for the knock out.”

Other results in 15s rugby saw St Peter’s Mumias thrash Bushangale and Maseno 25-0 and 8-5 respectively, Koyonzo register an identical 19-0 win over St Mary’s Yala and Mbale.

In basketball, Kakamega High once again came out on top to defeat St Mary’s Yala 40-32 as Maseno School saw off Ambira 59-24.

Host’s Yala would bounce back to edge Chavakali 39-18 as Sawagongo beat Mbale 44-21. Musingu overcame Chulaimbo 24-14 and USIU humiliating Kisumu Boys 64-6.

In handball, Yala trounced Maliera 15-2, Maseno beat Chulaimbo 16-12 while Kisumu Boys thumped Sawagongo 15-1 and Ngamninia silencing Kisumu School 16-10.

In hockey, St Mary’s Yala defeated Mbale 1-0, Musingu won 1-0 against Maseno, Chianda edged off Mbale 1-0 as USIU thrashed Kisumu Boys 9-0 and Yala 8-0.

The games enter the knock out stage today.