Menengai are the new rugby champs: Rugby Despite not matching Chavakali in size and stature they put up a spirited fight

The Rift Valley school beat Western’s Chavakali in a nail-biting clash

THE TOP FRY GREAT RIFT 10 ASIDE Derick Mburu (center) of Nakuru day secondary school battles for the ball with Impala players during The top Fry Great Rift 10 Aside at Menengai High school in Nakuru on April 14,2017 .PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPHNG JOSEPH

Menengai High School of Rift Valley Region are the new Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national champions. They beat Western Region champions Chavakali 7-5 in a thrilling final to be crowned champions.

Despite not matching their well-built and toned Chavakali counterparts in size and stature they put up a spirited fight to lift their maiden national gong.

Felix Makokha touched down to give Chavakali a 5-0 lead in the third minute but that did not dampen their spirits as they intensified their spirits as they fought back to take a 7-5 lead at the breather.

Nyaundo Ochieng scored Menengai’s try and it was Anthony Mwangi’s conversion that made the difference between the two sides. Menengai coach Evans Adenyo said that discipline won the trophy for them.

“Discipline is key for the success of a team as well as an individual player and I must say that our discipline, hard work and dedication won this Championship for us.”

Muhuri Muchiri bounced back from their loss in the semis to Chavakali to beat Bungoma 21-15 and snatch the last ticket to East Africa Games set for August in Gulu, Uganda.

Kelvin Agwambo and Martin Chege scored one try each for Muhuri Muchiri as Daniel Mukua converted both tries while Frank Saenyi touched down once as Muhuri Muchiri took a 14-5 lead at half-time?.

Collins Wanyonyi reduced Bungoma’s deficit three minutes into the second half to put the score at 14-10. However, determined to make their debut at the East Africa games Muhuri Muchiri fought relentlessly and their efforts paid off through Dennis Mituga’s try and conversion giving his side a comfortable 21-10 lead.

Wanyonyi added his second try but it was too late for them to bounce back as Muhuri Muchiri emerged 21-15 winners.

In the semis, Chavakali beat Muhuri Muchiri 14-7 while Menengai dismissed Bungoma by the same margin to book the finals clash. Chavakali capitalised on Muhuri Muchiri’s depleted squad after most of their key players were injured in previous matches.

Two first half tries from Evans Shilibwa and Ian Kombe successfully converted by Idris Sharrif were enough to secure Chavakali a place in the final.

Muhuri Muchiri not ready to go down without a fight scored through Agwambo with Mokua converting in the second half but it was a little too late.