National rugby 7s champions Koyonzo, St Mary's Yala dash into rugby Sevens semis

Brian Achacha (third right) of St Mary's Yala against Menengai defenders. [Collins Oduor]

St Mary’s School Yala are one victory away from achieving their dream of playing at the East Africa Secondary School games set to be held in Rwanda later this month.

On Wednesday, the Nyanza Region rugby Sevens champions saw off Menengai High School from Rift Valley 21-10 to seal their place in today’s semifinals, which will be played at the Bull Ring.

After a poor start to the national finals on Tuesday where they lost 7-5 to Bungoma in their opening pool match, the Siaya County champions bounced back to thrash Wayam Secondary School from North Eastern 67-0.

On Wednesday, Yala confirmed their spot in the last eight by defeating Upper Hill 14-0 before knocking out Nakuru County’s Menengai.

Speaking after the win, Yala assistant coach George ‘Mwanaume’ Kerima said they are confident of going to Rwanda.

Kerima, who teaches Biology and Agriculture, believes they have the quality to stop Vihiga High School, who knocked out Bwake from Rift Valley 31-10.

“It has been long coming for us the past few years. So far, this is the best we have ever achieved and I trust we can make history today. We know we will be on the bus to Rwanda if we win against Vihiga and nothing can stop such hungry boys from achieving that,” said Mwanaume.

According to the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) rules, the top three teams will qualify for the East Africa games.

National defending champions Koyonzo Secondary School, meanwhile, are also optimistic of reaching the final and retaining their title after hitting Lenana High School 36-5 in the quarters.

Koyonzo coach Elly Okwemba said they will approach their semis match up against Kitondo from Eastern with a lot of aggressiveness. Kitondo knocked out Bungoma 26-12.

“We have noticed that Kitondo loves playing contact game, a style we love playing. We will mix contact with skills and speed because we have quality in all corners and I trust the boys will once again show their quality on the field,” said Okwemba.

In football, hosts Shanderema Secondary School will face off with St Anthony’s Boys Kitale in the semifinals at Bukhungu Stadium.

Shanderema saw off Kirangari from Central 3-0 in their final Group A match to finish top of the pool with seven points followed by Agoro Sare, who also have seven points, but with an inferior goal difference of nine. Shanderema had 11 goals.

In the other semis, Dagoretti High School from Nairobi will meet Agoro Sare.

In the girls category, defending champions Wiyeta will face Dagoretti Mixed as Madira play Butere Girls.

In basketball 3x3, Nyanza champions Onjiko High School and Agoro Sare began their campaign on a high. Onjiko hit St Mary’s 21-3, while Agoro Sare qualified for the quarterfinals after hammering Thika 21-8 and Chesamis 18-14.

Bueter Girls also booked a place in the last four after a 8-7 and 16-13 win over Magomano and Ngíya Girls respectively.