Kakamega High and Dagoretti High inch closer to national rugby title

Haron Andeti of Dagoretti High School in Nairobi Region games. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Former national and East Africa rugby 15s champions Kakamega High have qualified for semifinals of the national Term One games at Shimo La Tewa School, Mombasa.

Kakamega achieved the feat after beating rivals Kangaru School to reach the last four.

Debutants Dagoretti High proved their worth making it two wins out of two to each closer to the coveted title in the Brookside Term One Games.

Western Region’s Kakamega, who are seeking to reclaim the title they last won in 2017 at State House Girls School, beat Eastern rivals Kangaru 21-9 in their second group B match. 

Alvin Mutachi, Wilberforce Ayiecha and David Kamau scored one try each while Philip Otieno and Emmanuel Mwinamo converted their efforts.

The match was evenly contested in the first half with national returnees Kangaru frustrating their try hunting efforts.

Mutachi’s first-half converted try gave them a narrow 7-6 lead going into the break thanks to Solomon Kioo’s two dropkicks for Kangaru. 

On resumption, Kakamega were more composed as Ayiecha and Kamau touched down with Otieno and Mwinamo complementing their efforts for a 21-9 victory as Kioo’s second drop kick was also spot on.

Kakamega coach Amos Wamanga said having made it to the last four, they will be out to secure their third victory against Coast’s Galana. 

“So far so good. We have achieved our first goal and we are looking to end the group games on a high. After our last match, we will work on our strategy for the semis,” Wamanga said. 

Dagoretti, who are making their first attempt at the national crown, gave home boys Kwale marching orders after subjecting them to their second loss.

Benson Salem, Fredrick Shisia, Derrick Osundwa and Kimani Njenga touched down with Charles Odhiambo making three conversions as Dagoretti cruised to a 26-5 victory. Isaac Kaleve scored Kwale’s consolation try. 

In rugby 7s, national and East Africa champions Laiser Hill intensified their defence with a 34-0 win over St Mary’s Lushangonyi.

Brunson Madigo scored two tries and made two conversions. Nicholas Kato added two more tries while Bill Gates Omondi and Javan Odhiambo scored one try each for Laiser Hill.

In other matches, Agoro Sare beat Muhuri Muchiri 10-0 while former holders St Peter’s Mumias thrashed Khamis 24-0.

In hockey, champions St Anthony’s Boys Kitale beat Meru School 2-0 to inch closer to retaining their title.

Walter Wanyonyi and captain Oscar Kiptoo were on target for St Anthony’s in the 48th and 52nd minute. St Anthony’s began their defence campaign with a 3-0 win against St George’s.

In the girls’ contest, 2017 winners St Cecilia Misikhu were held to a barren draw by Kerugoya.

Misikhu, who had beaten Hillcrest 3-0 in their opening game, will today take on Bura Girls while Kerugoya, who are yet to win or score a goal in this year’s nationals, will be up against Hillcrest. Bura beat Hillcrest 2-0 to register their first win.