SCHOOLS: St. Mary's School Yala edge Maseno to retain Nyanza rugby sevens title

St Mary's School Yala players perform a 'haka' after winning the Nyanza Region rugby Sevens title. [Washington Onyango]

St Mary's School Yala retained the Nyanza Region Secondary School rugby Sevens title after narrowly edging out Maseno School 5-0 in a tight match played at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) on Monday.

Dennis Okwiri scored an unconverted try in the first half to give Yala the lead, which they defended well in the final half to win 5-0.

Despite losing to Yala, Maseno School are also through to the national games that will be held in Kakamega.

Maseno School defeated Kisii School 10-5 in sudden death of the semifinals to book their spot in the finals.

Speaking to Standard Sports after the win, Yala assistant coach George Kerima said they can't wait to get to Kakamega and show their might.

"Congratulations to the boys. We knew we were safe after booking the ticket to Kakamega before the finals but we had to crown it with the title. We thank all the stakeholders involved, including the administration for supporting us," said Kerima, who is the strength and conditioning coach.

St Mary's Yala Principal Victor Makanda said the job is not yet done and his mission is to try and elevate the standards of sports in Nyanza.

"We want to bring the national trophy to Nyanza. It has been long since the rugby crown was home where it belongs. Our goal is to try and nurture talents in all sports aspects, building for the future of not only school games but contributing to Kenya," said Makanda, who helped St Anthony's Boys Kitale win national football title in 2019.

Maseno School coach Steve Oluoch said they will prove doubters wrong in the national games.

"It's painful to lose in such a way but our target was achieved because we move to the nationals and get it done," said Oluoch.