Barding, Nyakach reach semis: No shocks in Nyanza games

Lameck Otunga of Barding High School (kenya) in action against Kibuli of Uganda during their East Afrca Secondary School Games football match at Hill School, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County on August 31, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Winners march on as the championships reach a climax.

Football champions Barding and Nyakach are through to the semi-finals of the Nyanza Region Term Two B games at Homa Bay High School.

The two topped their respective groups on day one of the regional championships to secure places in the last four.

Barding, who won last year's East Africa games title, beat Gesore Mixed of Kisii 2-1 in their opening match before defeating St Paul's Ligisa Boys of Homa Bay 4-0 to cruise into the semis. The double victory put them on top of group A.

Ian Samwel starred for Barding in both matches, scoring a brace against Gesore and one goal against Ligisa. Shem Oluoch scored twice for last year's national finalists, while Clinton Obasanjo scored in the second clash.

Barding coach Thadeus Wanjir was impressed with his charges' display, saying they had achieved their first target.

"Our first aim was to qualify for the semis and I'm glad the boys made it happen. We will now focus on our last pool match and semis," Wanjir said.

In the boys' group B, Nyansiongo of Nyamira won 2-1 against Our Lady of Mercy Ringa Boys.

 

Retaining title

Meanwhile, Nyakach Girls remained on course to retaining their title after they defeated St Gema and Bishop Okulu Magare 2-0.

Magare, who defeated Jera Mixed 2-0 in their opening match, still have a chance to land the last semis slot in group A.

In the girls' group B, 2015 national silver medallists Kobala Mixed of Homa Bay launched their quest on a high as they defeated Gekomoni Mixed from Nyamira 3-0.

Sara Idza, Lencer Achieng and Maximiller Robi scored for Kobala, who are seeking a return to the nationals after missing last year's extravaganza.

"The battle has just begun and we will fight harder for our return to the nationals," said Kobala coach Dennis Kaunda.

"We just need to remain focused and aim for better things and I am sure we will achieve it."

In volleyball, last year's winners Sengera SDA (boys) and St Anne's Sega (girls) began their defence with deserved victories. Sengera beat Nyamiranga 3-1 (25-27, 25-16, 23-25, 25-8) in their opening match while Sega had it easy dismissing Gethsemane 3-0 (25-11, 25-7, 25-13).

In other results, Lwak Girls won their opening match against Kandiege in straight sets of 25-10, 25-17 and 25-5 and Sengera SDA Girls defeated Kandiege 3-0 (25-22, 25-24, 26-24).

In another boys' match, Oruba beat Oriwo 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-14), while Ringa triumphed in straight sets of 25-21, 25-15 and 25-23 against Olembo.