NO STOPPING FOR UPPER HILL: 'Upper' hit Nairobi School to lift Nairobi rugby title

Sports: Ofafa Jericho tackles Strathmore Muhuri Muchiri players sund witch Upper Hill William Were with the ball when they played plate at St. Mary School. ON 18/05/15 PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

Upper Hill are the 2016 Nairobi County Secondary Schools Sports Association rugby 15s champions.

In truth, they didn't have much opposition really. Buoyed by a partisan crowd, they defeated Nairobi School 36-3 in the final yesterday and with that, claimed the county's bragging rights. Muhuri Muchuri beat last year's finalists Lenana 12-10 in third-place playoffs.

Upper Hill's captain Phares Mbadi said after they lost in the semi-finals last year, they went back to the drawing board and vowed to correct their mistakes.

"We were eliminated in the semis last year, but we did not leave empty-handed because we learnt invaluable lessons. We knew we had to work on our weak areas. I am delighted it was not in vain."

Mbadi added that they will maintain their top form as they head to the Metropolitan games.

"We want to put up a good show at the regional games and that only means that we have to keep our levels high. Competition will be tough, but I believe we are equal to the task," Mbadi said.

Johnstone Olindi was the lead scorer for Upper Hill with a try and three conversions. Brian Amaitsa, Rolf Smith, Saidi Abdala and Madru Gada scored a try each for the champions. Cedrick Owaga scored Nairobi School's drop penalty.

Despite the big final score, Nairobi's games master Michael Asava was impressed with his charges, saying they had achieved their purpose.

"My boys have done well. Our main objective was to qualify for the Metropolitan games and I am glad they made it happen. It is a very young team and I believe they will challenge for the title in years to come," Asava said.

Asava added that he will encourage his boys to give their best at the regional games for them to book a place in the national finals.

In hockey, Gloria Cherop's 69th minute goal saw defending champions Moi Girls Nairobi retain their crown with a 2-1 win over Paklands Arya.

Cherop came to the rescue as the match seemed to be headed to extra time. Hannah Wasidiwa had put Moi in the lead three minute to the breather and Arya's Marinah Njeri restored parity in the 50th minute.

All finalists will represent Nairobi County in the Metropolitan games to be held in Kajiado after two weeks. In third place playoffs, Dr Rebeiro Parklands Boys beat last year's champions Lenana 2-0 in a penalty shootout.

The girls' playoff was also decided in a shootout with Kianda triumphing over Buruburu Girls 2-0.