MMUST defend Kenya University Sports Federation women’s rugby 7s title

Action between Kabianga University (in red) and hosts Kabarak/HANDOUT 

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on Friday defended the women’s rugby by 7s during the Kenya University Sports Federation (KUSF) play-offs.

MMUST narrowly edged Maseno University 12-10 in the thrilling final played at the Kabarak University Grounds in Nakuru County.

With Maseno leading 10-5 at the hooter, Mary Nasimiyu collected the ball from Christine Loyce near the 10-metre line and touched down between the posts to level the scores at 10-10. Loyce calmly added the extras to seal the comeback victory for MMUST.

MMUST had taken an early 5-0 lead through Judy Atieno’s unconverted try before Maseno’s Esther Munyangi responded with a similar effort to tie the scores at halftime.

On resumption, Susan Njeri crossed over for another unconverted try to give Maseno a 10-5 advantage.

In the men’s category, Kabarak University overcame Kabianga University 19-0 in their opening match of day two.

Wilson Tonya starred with a brace of tries as Adrian Kotut added another. Tonya opened the scoring with Emmanuel Waswa converting for 7-0. Kotut then touched down for an unconverted try to make it 12-0 before Tonya completed his brace, with Waswa again adding the extras for the final 19-0 score.

Former champions Maseno University were equally dominant, hammering Lukenya University 43-0.

James Gathu converted Elvis Korir’s opening try for 7-0 before Arnold Otieno added an unconverted effort for 12-0. Lewis Ogado extended the lead, with Gathu converting for 19-0.

Weser Brandly crossed the whitewash with Gathu, adding the extras for 26-0. Erick Otieno then scored, converted by Gathu, for 31-0. Felix Wanogoya added another converted try before Korir returned to seal the emphatic victory.

Chuka University narrowly beat Masai Mara University 12-7 in another closely fought match.

Masai Mara struck first through Austin Kizaza, with Alvin Musembi converting for a 7-0 lead. Ephraim Okuku pulled one back with an unconverted try (7-5) before Allan Wekesa converted Jefferson Mutuma’s try to hand Chuka the win.

A new men’s 3x3 basketball champion will be crowned on Saturday following the elimination of defending champions Kenyatta University.

Newcomers Murang’a University of Technology (MUT) knocked out the holders 17-9 to book a semifinal slot.

In other men’s quarterfinals, Daystar University beat Strathmore University 18-14, Mount Kenya University (MKU) edged University of Nairobi 17-16 and The University of Eldoret lost 13-18 to Embu.

MUT will now face Embu as Daystar takes on MKU in the semis.

In the women’s matches, Strathmore defeated MKU 20-11, USIU beat Meru University 15-07, and Kisii University overcame Egerton University 16-7, and UON beat MUT 21-08.

In the semifinals, Strathmore will face off with UON as USIU tackles Kisii University.