Strathmore Leos tame Homeboyz in 10-a-side rugby

By RODGERS ESHITEMI

Nairobi,Kenya:Strathmore Leos were on Sunday crowned the Nairobi 10-a-side rugby champions after beating hosts Homeboyz 19-12 in a thrilling Main Cup final at the Nyayo Stadium.

Churchill Ooko, the tournament’s top try scorer, and Ginton Adongo, were too good for their opponents, combining well with Oswago Nyandit, Joe Malit and Peter Muiruri to ensure the Leos lifted the title.

Speedy winger Leonard Mugaisi proved his mettle by touching down twice, but Mitch Ocholla’s boys held their own to win the trophy, which came with a Sh50,000 cash prize.

Homeboyz, who have reached the final four times but failed to clinch the title, received Sh20,000 as two players, Augustine Lugonzo and Mike Wamalwa, were voted Most Valuable Player and Most Promising Player respectively.

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Ocholla was full of praise for his players, terming the victory a morale booster ahead of the Impala Floodlit and Kenya Cup tournaments.

“Everybody is happy with the performance and I’m glad the boys played their hearts out. We are trying to build a team and I hope we will carry our fine form into the new season (Impala Floodlit and Kenya Cup),’’ Ocholla told Feverpitch.

Despite losing their fourth consecutive final, Homeboyz coach Joshua Chisanga said he was satisfied with the result.

“I think we were just unlucky. It’s the fourth time we have worked very hard only to lose in the final. But that’s the nature of the game,” he said.

“All the same, I am generally impressed with the output of the boys. This was a good build up for the Floodlit tournament and the Kenya Cup, which I rank at the top.”

On their way to the final, Leos drubbed University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine 19-7 in the first semis as Homeboyz stunned a stubborn Chipu 7-0 to sail through.

In the Bowl final, United States International University (USIU) thrashed Mount Kenya University 24-0 as Kenya Polytechnic University handed Impala a shocking 14-7 defeat in the Plate final.

Speaking after the win, USIU captain Lena Lionel couldn’t hide his joy following the good show. However, he urged his teammates not to get carried away.

“I am grateful for the win, but it’s just a beginning for us as we have more challenges ahead.”

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