Kamito exact revenge on Hospital Hill

Kamito's handball player Siiphine Wanyonyi (15) shoots the ball against Hospital Hill during yesterday's match at Hill School, Eldoret. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

It was a humbling experience for national secondary schools handball champions Hospital Hill after losing to archrivals Kamito during Day One of the championships in Eldoret.

The closely contested match saw Kamito representing Rift Valley outshine Nairobi's Hospital Hill 31-29 at the Hill School Eldoret Grounds in the Term One of the national games yesterday.

The two teams had clashed at the 2022 finals, and Hospital Hill lifted the national trophy.

But yesterday, Kamito Boys took their revenge on the Nairobi side in a Group A battle during their first encounter this year.

Hospital Hill was leading 22-17 15 minutes to the final whistle, but the hosts Kamito showed their mettle and came back from behind to level the scores (25-25) nine minutes later before defeating the Nairobi side.

"Last year, we lost to Hospital at the finals and we came back knowing it would be a tough match, and we are happy our preparations and confidence paid off. We are now confident of reclaiming the title this time," Kamito captain Geoffrey Kimtai said.

He added: "The school and the coaches have been supportive and we look forward to winning our next matches and topping our pool."

Mbooni from Eastern defeated Handege (representing the Central region) 26-22 in another tough Group A match.

Manyatta will battle Tsangatsini while Musingu will face Sabunley in Day Two, today. Hospital Hill will take on Handege and Mbooni Boys collide with Kamito.

In girls' category, national handball champions Moi Girls Kamusinga from Western proved that they have come to the 2023 games with the intention of retaining the title.

Moi Kamusinga beat Nairobi's Dagoretti Girls 42-18 in a show of might during the Day One matches, in Group B.

It was an easy start for St Joseph's Girls Kitale from Rift Valley who thrashed North Eastern's Hon DM Admin 64-11.

Nyathuna, representing Central, beat Kaya Tiwi from the Coast 24-18 as Miranga (Nyanza) taught Dr Charles Muli a handball lesson after a 24-20 defeat, in Group A.

Today, Nyathuna is playing Hon DM Admin while St. Joseph's Girls Kitale face off Kaya Tiwi. Miranga on the other hand will battle Dagoretti and Moi Kamusinga will face Dr. Charles Muli.