The Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) girls’ rugby 7s tournament kicked off in Mbale, Uganda, with a display of dominance from Kenyan teams. National 7s champions, St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale, affectionately known as ‘JOGA’, and Kinale Secondary School from Kiambu County, made a strong statement in their opening matches, asserting their prowess on the regional stage.
Joga’s Commanding Victory
Joga, the reigning champions of Kenya’s national 7s rugby, showcased their superiority with a resounding 32-0 win over Nyagichenche Secondary School, Kenya’s number three team, in their Pool A opener. From the onset, Joga’s intentions were clear as they quickly established control over the match.
Lydia Furaha opened the scoring with a well-executed try that set the tone for what would be a dominant performance. The momentum continued to build as Esther Wanyonyi added a second try, increasing the lead to 10-0. Sophie Nasimiyu extended the lead further just before the halftime whistle, bringing the score to 15-0.
Returning from the break, Joga intensified their attack, leaving Nyagichenche struggling to keep up. Sarah Wafula made her mark with a fourth try, pushing Joga even further ahead. As the match progressed, it became evident that Nyagichenche had no answers for Joga’s relentless pressure. Linda Kagwiria, a promising Kenya Lionesses U18 prospect, added another try to the tally. Finally, Sylvia Awinja sealed the deal with the sixth and final try, cementing Joga’s comprehensive 32-0 victory.
Joga’s performance was a testament to their preparation and skill, leaving no doubt about their status as one of the top contenders in the tournament. Their ability to control the game and execute their strategies flawlessly makes them a formidable force as the competition progresses.
Kinale’s Impressive Debut
Kinale Secondary School, making their debut in the FEASSA Girls’ Rugby 7s, also made a significant impact. The Kiambu County-based team faced off against Kijjabwemi, Uganda’s number four outfit, in a match that showcased Kinale’s potential and determination.
Sheldon led the charge for Kinale, scoring a brace of tries that put them in a commanding position early on. The team’s cohesive play and disciplined defense allowed them to dominate the game. Rose Okwemba, Milan, and Mongina each contributed a try, helping Kinale secure a convincing 29-7 victory.
Kinale’s debut performance sent a clear message to their competitors that they are not to be underestimated. Their ability to perform under pressure and maintain composure throughout the match highlights their potential to go far in this tournament.
Uganda’s Internal Battle
The tournament also featured a fiercely contested match between Uganda’s national finalists, Nkoma, and Jinja. The two teams battled it out in a closely fought encounter that saw Nkoma emerge victorious with a 12-5 win. The match was a display of grit and determination from both sides, with Nkoma managing to edge out their opponents and secure the win.
Upcoming Matches
As the tournament progresses, the excitement continues to build. One of the anticipated matches will see Kenya’s number three, St. Theresa Girls, face off against Uganda’s number three, PMM. This match is expected to be a thrilling encounter as both teams will be eager to secure a win and advance further in the competition.
Conclusion
The opening day of the FEASSA Girls’ Rugby 7s tournament in Mbale, Uganda, was marked by dominant performances from Kenyan teams. Joga’s commanding win and Kinale’s impressive debut have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive tournament. As the teams continue to battle it out, the question remains: who will emerge as the champion of East Africa’s premier girls’ rugby 7s competition?
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