It's Kenyan affair today: Laiser Hill, Kakamega face off in decisive 15s clash

Kakamega High Sifuna Bramwel of Kakamega School evades a challenge from Lewis Ashaba Ahebwa of Mbarara High School during FEASSSA games at Comboni Vocational Institute, Gulu, Uganda. [Correspondent]

In a repeat of the national final, two teams now meet in foreign land.

The mother of all battles is looming today as rivals Laiser Hill Academy and Kakamega High battle for the 2017 rugby 15s title in the ongoing Brookside East Africa Secondary School games in Uganda.

The Comboni Vocational Institute in Gulu will be the battlefield as 2015 champions Laiser Hill battle defending champions Kakamega in a bid to dethrone them.

In what will be a repeat of the national final, the winner of the clash is likely to win this year’s regional gong.

The two sides have been having a good run of form, with Kakamega making four wins out of four, while Laiser Hill have maintained a 100 per cent record after four rounds of matches.

Laiser Hill will be out to avenge their 14-18 loss to Kakamega in the April final that denied them the national trophy.

Laiser Hill made clear their intentions to reclaim their title with a resounding 60-0 victory over Ntare of Uganda. Billy Kipchirchir was in superb form, touching down four times.

Johnstone Olindi and Fred Odongo scored two tries each as they cruised to their third victory.

Olindi, who has been instrumental in Laiser Hill’s campaign, said they will remain focused because a victory against Kakamega would increase their chances of reclaiming their title.

“We just have to work hard because even though we are playing in a round-robin format, this is like a final of this championships,” Olindi said.

Red-hot Kakamega continued to exert their dominance over the Ugandans as they subjected St Mary’s Kisubi to a humiliating 62-0 victory and remain on course to retaining their title. Captain Frankline Shiveka was optimistic that they will overcome Laiser Hill.

“We will remain focused because a lot is at stake in this match. We defeated them at the nationals and I think they will not let us have our way, but we are ready to give our best,” Shiveka said.

In Sevens rugby, the Kenyans registered mixed results as newcomers Muhuri Muchiri beat Jinja of Uganda 19-12. They lost 12-0 to compatriots Chavakali in their opening match.

National champions Menengai were double victors after they defeated Dr Obote 34-0 and Lango College 15-0. Chavakali lost their second match 17-0 to Ste Trinite of Rwanda.

In girls’ football, Ibinzo booked their place in the quarters after a 2-0 win over Mukono of Uganda.