Asumbi off to flying start: Champs begin title defence on high note as games start
Sports
By
Elizabeth Mburugu
| Mar 31, 2016
Players of Asumbi Teachers College men’s basketball team hugged and gave each other high-fives at fulltime.
It was a job well-done.
Not that they had just played their best, but they were happy with that convincing 120-10 victory against Metropolitan’s Thogoto at the start of this year’s national college games in Machakos.
Asumbi, the defending champions, were lethargic at times; an unforced turnover here, a loose pass there; but it did not show in that big win. The true champions they are, they were not going to let the negatives show. Not in their first match; not even against a weaker Thogoto College.
In a replica performance of their men’s achievements, the Asumbi women’s team defeated Nzoia's Eregi 62-9.
Knowing all eyes were on them, Asumbi oozed class in their play as they won the first quarter 22-0 and 29-0 in the second.
To Thogoto, Asumbi were their worst opponents, but for Asumbi, they were yearning for more. With every Thogoto attack, Asumbi surmounted with ease.
Thogoto learnt a lesson or two from this encounter. Well, they mastered courage of some sorts as they scored three points and settled for a 30-3 score in the third quarter. They improved in the fourth, scoring seven points, but soaked as much; 39 points from Asumbi.
Brian Onyango was the lead scorer for Asumbi with 28 points, while Kenneth Orango and Steve Achienge scored 12 and 10 points. Asumbi coach Paul Odock said although some teams had improved, his side has what it takes to retain the title.
"The standards have improved for some teams, but I am confident we are still the best side and will retain our crown.’’
In handball, title holders Eregi were also too good for their opponents as they won their respective matches in both men and women’s categories.
Eregi’s men beat Narok 29-17 in their opening match and won 24-16 against Eregi in their second match to book a slot in the semifinals.
Eregi coach Abuto Nyaywera was impressed with his charges, saying they stuck to the plan and if they keep up the spirit, they will retain the title.
“Any match is won in the mind and off the pitch. I am glad that my boys have the mental strength and also stuck to the plan.
“I hope they will keep up the good work,’’ Nyaywera said.
In other men’s matches, Kericho of Mau Region beat Meru of Highlands 15-9, while Murang’a defeated Islamic Teachers College of Coastal Region 21-20.