SCHOOLS: Friends School Bwake crowned 2024 national rugby sevens champions

Friends School Bwake in action against Vihiga High School.[Sammy Omingo,Standard]

Friends School Bwake are the 2024 KSSSA national rugby sevens champions.

Bwake were crowned new champions on Wednesday after coming from behind twice to stun favorites Vihiga High School 19-14 in sudden death at Kisii School grounds.

Wilson Tonga gave Vihiga an early 7-0 lead after breaking through Bwake’s defensive line to score between the sticks, a try that Felix Apuok converted.

However, Rift Valley champions Bwake responded before halftime when Gerom Lumumba crossed over near the posts to tie the scores at 7-7 after Chesoli Nabonge added the extras.

In the final half, Tonga retuned to haunt Bwake when he beat the Trans Nzoia County champions defensive line again with his pace before scoring at the center for a 14-7 lead after Apuok’s conversion.

With minutes tickling down, Bwake refused to give up and despite the hooter sounding, Lumumba broke free again to tie the scores at 14-14. Nabonge added the extras as the game went to sudden death.

The restart saw the two teams exchange attacks and execute well planned defensive set ups that forced the game to another sudden death.

Played for almost 28 minutes, Bwake would have the last laugh when Darias Kipsang broke Vihiga’s hearts with a last gasp try that saw Bwake win 19-14.

Despite the defeat, Bwake and Vihiga have both qualified for the East African games.