Battle for national title intensifies: Coast-based Kaya Tiwi set to face Buru Buru Girls in thrilling tie

Lilian Atieno (left) of Kaya Tiwi Secondary School dribbles the ball past Nancy Opiyo of Bar Chando High School during their East Afrca Secondary School Games basketball match at Moi Girls High School, Uasin Gishu County on August 27, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Fireworks are expected as the Brookside Secondary Schools National Term One Games enter the knockout stage today at Nairobi School and State House Girls. Girls national basketball champions Kaya Tiwi of Coast will lock horns with Nairobi’s Buru Buru in what is promising to be a thrilling clash.

Tiwi will be out to exert their dominance over Buru Buru, who they beat 53-25 in last year’s national final to win their maiden gong. Tiwi coach Philip Onyango said both sides are good but the team that will be mentally strong will carry the day. “It will be a very tough match because Buru Buru are an equally good side but we are prepared and ready for the battle,” Onyango said.

Yesterday, Tiwi thrashed Kirigara 65-18 in their last Group B match, Buru Buru beat Nyamira 79-45 in Group A. St Brigid's whitewashed Senior Chief Ogle 109-4 and Tigoi dismissed Loreto Limuru 71-48.

St Brigid's Kiminini and Tigoi will rekindle their rivalry in the second semis tie. The two rivals, who met in last year’s Nzoia Region finals, will meet again after St Brigid's moved back to their Rift Valley home this year.

East African champions Kakamega High face off with Upper Hill as 2015 winners Laiser Hill play the 2004 champions, St Mary’s Yala, in rugby15s semis. Kakamega finished second in Pool B after losing their final game 10-8 to Laiser Hill yesterday.

Kakamega beat Upper Hill to win bronze in last year’s nationals,  snatching the ticket to the East Africa games that they eventually won. Kakamega skipper Frankline Shiveka said they will leave nothing to chance as they seek to reclaim their title. “Upper Hill are equally good and their wingers are very fast and physical, meaning we have got to bring our A game, “he said.

Upper Hill completed their preliminary matches with a perfect record after hammering St Mary’s Yala 28-0 in their final Pool A match. With revenge in mind, Upper Hill will be out to avenge the loss that denied them a ticket to the regional games. “We have gotten better with each game and Kakamega should prepare for a battle,” Upper Hill coach Victor Walgwe said.

In basketball, champions Upper Hill lock horns with Nyeri Baptist while Laiser Hill will be up against Kisumu Boys for spots in tomorrow’s final.

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