St Anthony's, St Joseph's off to a flying start

Ringa boys Jackton Ochieng (left) in action against St. Lwanga’s Hasan Abbey in boys’ hockey. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

Rift Valley Region hockey champions St Anthony’s Boys High School Kitale and St Joseph’s Girls High School Kitale yesterday began their title quest on a high as this year’s Brookside Secondary Schools National Term One games got underway in Mombasa.

St Anthony’s, who are looking to reclaim the title they lost to Musingu Boys High School in 2023, showed no mercy to rookies Hospital Hill beating them 3-1 in their opening Group A match.

Duncan Meli bagged a brace for St Anthony’s in 10th and 14th minutes with captain Kelvin Onyango adding a third goal in the 40th minute for the former national and East Africa champions. Zahir Suleiman scored Hospital Hill’s consolation in the 31st minute.

Onyango, who is keen to lead his side to another national gong, said they are determined to make the best out of this year’s competition.

“We want to perform better than last year. We just need to stick to our game plan,” Onyango said.

In another boys’ Group A match, homeboys St Charles Lwanga were held to a barren draw by their guests Our Lady of Mercy Ringa Boys from Nyanza.

St Charles, who are looking to improve on their bronze medal finish last year, must win today’s clash against Hospital to revive their hopes of playing in the semis.

St Anthony’s on the other hand will face off with Ringa who will be chasing their first win.

Reigning East Africa girls’ hockey champions St Joseph’s sent an early warning to their opponents by thrashing their hosts St Charles Lwanga 7-0 in their opening Group A match.

Mary Adhiambo was on target twice with Aphlyne Ochieng, Vallary Ludiali, Mitchelle Jeptoo, Audrey Grener and Doreen Adhiambo scoring one goal apiece.

Mwiki Secondary School announced their return to the national stage with a 2-0 win against Eastern Region champions AIC Nyayo.

Margret Nyawira and Joan Muria scored for Mwiki who returned to the national games after missing the last two editions.