Easy does it for heavyweights Onjiko and Maseno School

For Onjiko High School, their ambition to retain the Nyanza region boys basketball title was always there for everyone to behold.

It has always been their dream to remind any doubters that they are the regional champions. With every match, they've never missed the opportunity to assert their authority.

And so, when they met Agoro Sare on the opening day of this year's Nyanza games in Kisii School yesterday, the champions knew what was awaiting them. They never disappointed, winning 84-27 in the one-sided match.

Led by their point guard Alvin Otieno, the two-time Kisumu County basketball champions dominated their opening Group A encounter against the Homa Bay giants from the first quarter to the final whistle, weathering the heavy downpour that saw the games suspended for a while.

The match started aggressively with both sides going neck-and-neck, but it was Onjiko who emerged tops, leading 19-12 in the first quarter.

The defending champions later tore Agoro Sare apart after a commanding 23-5 second quarter performance before putting the game to sleep with a quarter left after another 15-8 show in the third quarter.

The Joseph Were coached side sealed the win with a 27-2 fourth quarter show to win 84-27.

"I told you we will defeat them heavily," said Onjiko coach Were.

"The boys played well today. Despite a physical start in the first quarter, we composed ourselves to shatter their dreams of winning game one. We look forward to our second match today," said the former Sigalame Boys head coach.

Onjiko will face off Nyanchwa from Kisii County today from 2pm. Nyanchwa, who lost their county title to Kisii School two weeks ago, will begin their games against Migori today from 8am.

At the same time, Usenge shocked hosts Kisii School 39-30 in another match.

In the girls' category, defending champions Asumbi Girls saw off Tuk Jowi 31-28 to get off to a positive start.

In rugby, Maseno School defeated Homa Bay 32-13. The defending champions will meet Nduru Boys today and head coach Steve Oluoch is confident of making it out of Group A unscathed.

"As champions, it was imperative that we get off the mark with a win and I am happy the boys executed everything we prepared for before the games," said Oluoch.

"It is not yet over anyways and now we turn our focus towards the remaining two matches against Nduru and St Mary's Yala."

St Mary's Yala narrowly defeated Nduru Boys 13-0 to pick their first win in Group A.

At the same time, Kisii School hammered Gekano 32-0 to take charge of Group B that also has Rapogi Boys and Nyabondo.

In hockey, St Mary's Andingo thrashed Kereri Girls 4-1 and lead Group B with three points.

Agenga Mixed from Migori, who are also in the same pool, will begin their games against Lwak Girls from Siaya County today at Cardinal Otunga School.

"Last year, we were feeling the pitch but this year the girls are ready. We have prepared well and despite it being our second time at the regional finals, we will not be easy pushovers," said Agenga coach Aloice Owino, formerly of Sinyolo Girls.

In the boys' category, last year's finalists Ringa Boys saw off Nduru Boys 1-0 to take charge of Group B that also has St Mary's Yala and defending champions Kisumu Day.

Yala will renew rivalry with Kisumu Day today from 8am.

In other results, Ndonyo defeated Guu 17-16 in girls' handball as Siaya County champions Barchando hammered Sengera 55-29 in girls' basketball