Kakamega in winning formation

Sifuna Bramwel of Kakamega School evades a challenge from Lewis Ashaba Ahebwa of Mbarara High School during FEASSSA games at Comboni Vocational Institute, Gulu, Uganda. [Correspondent]

Giants Kakamega High School began the Western Region rugby 15s title defence on a winning note yesterday at Friends School Kamusinga.

The reigning national champions beat favourites Chavakali 12-3 in the opening Group B match. 

Determined to win the opening match, Kakamega led 9-3 at half time before completing the job in the second half.

Centre Timothy Omela scored three penalties while flyhalf Tony Oketch scored a drop goal to give the seven-time national champions a befitting start.

Kakamega coach Amos Wanga said the encounter was tough, but was quick to read the opponent’s game plan, hence making necessary changes in his squad.

“It was very tough because Chavakali is a good side. I had to change my game plan because I realised it won’t work because they were playing defensively,” said Wamanga.

“Scoring tries was difficult so we became more tactical and I’m glad the changes worked.”

Hosts Kamusinga forced a narrow 3-0 win against Sigalame of Busia County in another Group B clash.

In Group A, 2014 national champions St Peter’s Mumias beat Vihiga 10-0, while 2016 national champions Bungoma High, who are seeking a return to the nationals after missing last year’s contest, routed Sigalame 18-3.

Championships’ opener

Former national boys’ hockey champions Friends School Kamusinga exerted revenge on perennial rivals Musingu, who knocked them out of last year’s nationals, with a 2-0 victory in the championships’ opener.

Kamusinga’s Alex Taiswa was player of the match as he netted a brace in a thrilling repeat of last year’s regional final which Musingu won 1-0.

Taiswa was on target in the 13th and 35th minutes to give the 12-time national winners a good start.

In handball, former national champions St Luke’s Kimilili and Moi Girls Kamusinga (MGK) were in a perfect start, winning in their respective boys and girls matches.

Homeboys Kimilili beat rivals Kolanya of Busia County 26-15 in boys’ Group B while MGK gave their guests Ebusakami from Vihiga County a rude welcome with a 41-5 drubbing in Group A.

Douglas Wekesa and Joseph Wafula were Kimilili’s top scorers with six goals each.

Mildred Nyongesa was MGK’s top scorer with 11 goals while Ruth Simiyu netted 10.