Western Region: Kakamega tackle rivals St Peter’s Mumias in today’s rugby 15s finals

St. Peters Mumias of Kenya celebrates their victory against Kololo of Uganda during their East Afrca Secondary School Games rugby sevens match at Eldoret Sports Club, Uasin Gishu County on September 1, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Bitter rivals Kakamega High and St Peter’s Mumias face off today in the rugby 15s finals in the Western Region Secondary Schools Term One Games at Friends School Kamusinga.

It is expected to be a tough battle as the two sides seek to win the regional title and secure a slot at next month’s National Term One Games in Embu.

A slot is at stake for Kakamega who must retain the Western title if they desire to defend the national title.

Kakamega beat 2016 national champions Bungoma High 18-7 while St Peter’s squeezed their way into the final with a narrow 7-6 win over Chavakali.

Timothy Omela was once against instrumental in Kakamega’s victory, scoring two tries to help the seven-time national winners inch closer to retaining the title.

Kevin Kimani touched down once while Tony Owino scored a penalty to crash Bungoma’s hopes of making it to the nationals. Kakamega coach Amos Wamanga said they will have to be at their best in repeat of the county final which they won 8-3.

“We have to be at our best, beating a team twice in a very short time is not easy and that is why we have to play our best rugby,” Wamanga said.

His St Peter’s counterpart Shimenga Livondo on the other hand said their desire to return to the nationals is their motivation.

“We missed out on last year’s championships and the boys are yearning to qualify. Our opponents are very tough and I must say we all have an equal chance and whoever starts well might carry the day,” Livondo said.

Reigning girls basketball champions Tigoi ruled in the preliminaries winning all their matches to top Group A with six points to inch closer to retaining their title.

Moi Girls Kamusinga finished second with five while Mukumu and Kisoko Girls crashed out of the championship after finishing third and fourth respectively

Butere and Kolanya finished first and second in Group B. [Elizabeth Mburugu]