Thrilling set of matches as Rift Valley teams eye national contest

Action between Tambach TTC (in blue) and Kericho TTC in Mosoriot. [Stephen Rutto, Standard] 

Teachers training colleges (TTC) teams left nothing to chance at the Rift Valley regional ball games that end on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, volleyball giants stamped authority in the second day of tough contests played at Mosoriot TTC and Koitalel Samoei University grounds in Nandi.

Teams are eying a slot in the national Kenya Teachers Colleges Sports Association (KTCA) games set to be held in Machakos in June.

Hosts Mosoriot taught Tambach from Elgeyo Marakwet a volleyball lesson in the men's category, thrashing them 3-0 after controlling the proceedings in all the three sets (25-17, 25-14, 25-18).

Mosoriot also won 3-0 against West Pokot, while Chesta (from West Pokot) beat Kericho TTC 3-0 in another match.

Bishop Mahon from Turkana capitalised on their height advantage to wallop West Pokot TTC 3-0 in a contest that ended 25-7, 25-10 and 25-12.

Bishop Mahon, Mosoriot and Chesta were among teams that had booked their places at the semi-final last evening.

Kericho TTC women defeated West Pokot 3-0 as Mosoriot ladies beat Tambach 3-2 in earlier matches.

Chesta and Kericho proved too strong for Mosoriot and Moi Baringo respectively in 3-0 identical wins.

Men’s netball saved Tambach's blushes as they outclassed Chesta and West Pokot respectively to secure their hard-fought victories and sail to the semi-final.

"Our team is strong. It is the team to watch. We played several preparations matches against Elgeyo Marakwet netball teams. We will do our best to progress to the finals," Tambach sports coordinator Sandra Rono said.

TTC stars also battled for top slots in handball, with Kericho crushing West Pokot 34-11 in men's pool A.

Mosoriot TTC also vanquished Moi Baringo 25-4 in Group B.

In the women’s clash, Kericho won 25-4 in their opening game against Moi Baringo as Tambach beat West Pokot 13-2.

Yesterday, Chesta stunned Bishop Mahon with a 19-7 defeat in the men’s contest, while Tambach edged West Pokot 13-2.

Kericho also recorded a 16-11 final score against Bishop Mahon group A, while Baringo overpowered Tambach (18-15) in Pool B.

In women’s handball, Chesta once again demonstrated to Bishop Mahon how to do business in their Group clash. They beat the Turkana team 13-4.

Mosoriot TTC women defeated West Pokot 16-5 in Group B preliminaries.

Chesta edged Baringo 7-6 in a closely contested Group A match while Mosoriot women won 20-17 against Tambach.

Rift Valley KTCA chairman Duncan Okwaro said the region is ready to defend its title.

“We are the defending champions and we are ready to defend the title. The teams are adequately prepared and the competitions are tough,” said Okwaro, who is also the KTCA national chairman.