On Saturday, amidst fervent competition at Cardinal Otunga High School, St. Mary’s Yala reaffirmed their rugby prowess by defeating Anjego 25-4 in the final. The match saw St. Mary’s Yala seize an early lead in the first half, with Brian Ooko and Joseph Onyango crossing the try line to establish a 10-5 advantage. Anjego’s response came from Steve Otieno, who managed an unconverted try.
In the decisive second half, St. Mary’s Yala further solidified their position with rapid-fire tries from Albert Otieno and Innocent Murunda, denying Anjego any chance of a comeback. Angelo Makori successfully converted both tries, underscoring Yala’s strategic and clinical approach.
Reflecting on their victory, Yala’s coach George Kerima expressed satisfaction: “We came here with a clear objective to defend our title, and I am pleased that we achieved it. The final showcased our experience, which proved pivotal against a resilient Anjego team.”
Meanwhile, Anjego’s coach and principal, J.J Masime, gracefully acknowledged defeat: “Despite our efforts, Yala capitalized on their opportunities better than we did. Our journey to the final was a testament to our resilience, and I commend my team for their performance.”
Earlier in the semi-finals, St. Mary’s Yala secured their place in the final with a hard-fought 12-7 victory over Kisii School, while Anjego triumphed over Otieno Oyoo with a 12-5 scoreline.
In the battle for third place, Kisii School emerged victorious over Otieno Oyoo after a thrilling sudden-death finish, culminating in a 17-12 triumph. Morgan Ochiel’s decisive try in overtime sealed Kisii School’s podium finish.
Girls’ Rugby 7s: Nyakach Claims Championship
In the girls’ category, Nyakach asserted their dominance with a resounding 15-0 victory over Nyagichenche Mixed from Kisii County. Edith Ngoje, Regina Auma, and Joan Ndemo were instrumental in Nyakach’s victory, each contributing tries that secured the championship.
Nyakach coach Kevin Otuoma commended his team’s performance: “The girls exhibited exceptional rugby skills, and their hard work throughout the tournament paid off. Nyagichenche posed a tough challenge, but our girls remained composed and executed our game plan effectively.”
Despite the loss, Nyagichenche coach Dennis Onyango acknowledged the circumstances: “We faced significant challenges, including injuries to key players, which impacted our performance. Nevertheless, I am proud of the team’s resilience and effort.”
In the playoff for third place, Nyakongo Girls defeated Sidindi 10-0, rounding off a successful tournament for girls’ rugby in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association.
The Nyanza Region Secondary Schools rugby 7s tournament showcased not only athletic excellence but also resilience and sportsmanship among the participating schools. As St. Mary’s Yala and Nyakach celebrate their victories, the tournament highlights the growing popularity and competitiveness of school rugby in the region, setting the stage for future competitions and inspiring young athletes to strive for excellence in the sport.
