Flying Start for Vihiga, Promising Kinale Suffer First Loss

The 2024 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term Two National Games are currently underway at Kisii School in Kisii County. The games have already witnessed thrilling rugby 7s matches as teams battle fiercely in their respective rounds.

Last year’s finalists, Vihiga High School, kicked off their title chase campaign with a double win, running over Central Region representatives Alliance Boys 17-00 before securing a narrow 5-0 win against Upper Hill School. Vihiga’s determined performance sets them up as strong contenders, and they are scheduled to face Rift Valley champions Bwake Boys in their last pool fixture in a bid to secure their quarter-final ticket.

However, all eyes were on Kinale Girls High School from the Central Region, who suffered their first-ever loss since the introduction of girls’ rugby in high schools. Kinale fought valiantly but went down 5-7 against the dominant St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale in the second-round fixture. Despite the setback, Kinale showed promise in their first-round match, registering a narrow 15-10 win over Bungoma County champions Mbakalu Girls. The Allan Bush-led Kinale team will be looking to regroup and come back stronger in their upcoming fixtures.

In another exciting development, national title holders and East Africa Champions Koyonzo Boys secured a solid victory over Malindi High School, winning 28-15, before snatching a 10-5 win over Otieno Oyoo Boys in their second tie. Koyonzo’s consistent performance highlights their strength and determination to retain their title.

Boys Rugby Matches:

Round 1:

Koyonzo 28-15 Malindi
Nairobi School 12-07 Otieno Oyoo
Vihiga Boys 17-00 Alliance Boys
Bwake Boys 12-05 Upper Hill
St. Mary’s Yala 36-00 M-pesa Foundation Academy
Kisii School 38-00 Lushangoni
Meru School 05-00 Kangaru School
Kabianga Boys 14-05 Anjego Boys

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Round 2:

Koyonzo Boys 10-05 Otieno Oyoo
Nairobi School 19-17 Malindi
Vihiga Boys 05-00 Upper Hill
Bwake Boys 34-00 Alliance Boys
St. Mary’s Yala 26-00 Lushangoni
Kisii School 19-19 M-pesa Foundation
Meru School 07-05 Anjego
Kabianga Boys 05-00 Kangaru School

In the boys’ category, Vihiga Boys have shown resilience and skill, and their performances so far indicate a team in excellent form. Bwake Boys also showcased their prowess with a commanding 34-00 win over Alliance Boys after a close 12-05 victory against Upper Hill.

Girls Rugby Matches:

Round 1:

Madira 17 vs 07 Paul Harris
Karen C. 05 vs 12 Sidindi
Mbakalu 10 vs 15 Kinale
St. Joseph’s 36 vs 00 Dagoretti
Nyakach 21 vs 12 Ruiru
Nyakongo 05 vs 05 Shimba Hills
Muvuti 00 vs 24 St. Theresa
JM Kariuki 07 vs 00 Nyagichenche

Round 2:

Madira 27 vs 00 Sidindi
Karen C. 05 vs 26 Paul Harris
Mbakalu 10 vs 00 Dagoretti
St. Joseph’s 07 vs 05 Kinale
Nyakach 05 vs 17 Shimba Hills
Nyakongo 00 vs 00 Ruiru
Muvuti 00 vs 17 Nyagichenche
JM Kariuki 00 vs 07 St. Theresa

The girls’ rugby matches have also been nothing short of exciting. St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale demonstrated their dominance with a 36-00 win over Dagoretti in the first round and a hard-fought 7-5 victory over Kinale in the second round. Nyakach’s strong start with a 21-12 win over Ruiru was followed by a 5-17 loss to Shimba Hills.

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As the KSSSA Term Two National Games continue, the competition intensifies, and teams are set to bring their best to the pitch. The blend of talent, strategy, and sheer determination on display promises an exciting journey to the finals for both boys and girls rugby 7s.