Giants Kakamega surge on in regional games

Sifuna Bramwel of Kakamega High School (left) in past action during East Africa school games [Courtesy]

Favourites Kakamega High yesterday launched their regional rugby 15s title defence with double victory as Western Region Term One games began at Chavakali High School in Vihiga County. 

The former national and East Africa champions began their campaign with a 27-0 win over Ebusiloli of Vihiga County in Group B.

Emmanuel Mwinamo and Collins Indeje had a brace each while Mein Roy scored one try with Philip Otieno making a successful conversion of his effort.

Against Bungoma County’s Chesamisi, Roy, Kenneth Cheti and Otieno scored one try each and Otieno converted all the three tries to give his side a 21-0 win.

Kakamega coach Amos Wamanga said the competition is stiffer because both rugby 15s and rugby Sevens are being held at the same time.

“We have to be at our best because only one team has to qualify for the national games, unlike past years when a team had a second chance to try their luck in Sevens. We are taking a game at a time because we want to retain our title and book our ticket to Mombasa,” Wamanga said.

In Group A, 2016 national champions Bungoma High beat Nambale from Busia 36-3 before edging Kakamega County’s Koyonzo 8-3.

Ebusiloli bounced back from their opening loss to beat Busia’s Mundika 10-7 and revive their hopes of making it to the last four.

Last year’s girls’ basketball finalists Butere from Kakamega County made their intentions to return to the nationals known with a resounding 64-13 victory against Busia’s Kolanya.

Butere oozed class from the onset with the duo of Evelyne Atieli and Marylisa Omondi calling shots.

Atieli top-scored for Butere with 16 points while Omondi had 14. Yvonne Luvali was the lead scorer for Kolanya with five points.

At Kaimosi Girls, Butere were in a class of their own ruling the courts to take a 17-7 lead in the first quarter.

Kolanya defended well in the second quarter but their defensive play did not do them any good as they scored only three points against Butere’s 10, which allowed their opponents take a 27-10 advantage by the breather.

On resumption, Butere, who are seeking to retain their regional title, were more rejuvenated scoring at will as Kolanya struggled to keep up with the pace.

Butere were home and dry by the end of the third quarter as they took a 49-13 lead.