Action between Nairobi and Lenana school during the provincial championships held at Jamhuri High School/FILE

National Schools rugby 15s champions Upper Hill will begin their Prescott Cup campaign next week with ambitions of adding another major title to an already successful season.

Fresh from reclaiming the national crown in Kisumu last month after a hard-fought 13-8 victory over Kisii in the final, coach Victor Walgwe’s side heads into the championship as one of the favourites.
Upper Hill have been drawn in a demanding pool that features rivals Lenana School, former champions Rift Valley Academy, Jamhuri High School and Mangu High School — a lineup that guarantees an early test of their title credentials.
Read Also
Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics
Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football
Kenya’s middle court crisis laid bare as clubs fall short in Kigali Sports
For Walgwe, the challenge is one his side is eager to embrace.
“We are relishing the battle. Winning the national event has given us a good foundation to build on as we head to the second term of the school year, where we also try and qualify for the national sevens event,” Walgwe said.
Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans
He expects a fiercely competitive championship, warning against complacency despite Upper Hill’s strong recent form.
“There are no easy games. Every team wants to win, so we will take one game at a time. We have a target on our back and every team will want to beat us, so we must innovate and stay ahead of the chasing pack,” he added.
In the Rift Valley section, defending champions Kisii will begin their title defence against Kabianga High School, Tarasa, Chilani High School and St Patrick’s Iten.
The Nyanza/Western category will see former national champions Butula Boys take on rivals St Mary’s School Yala and Kakamega High School in another closely watched contest.
History will also be made as Marsabit County earns representation in the tournament for the first time. Dakabarichia High School will compete against Badasa High School, ACK St Peter and Marsabit Mixed in a landmark moment for the region.
At the coast, Waa Boys' will battle Kwale High and Mombasa Sports Club Academy.
The Nairobi girls’ category has defending champions Kinale, Rift Valley Academy, Karen C Girls', St Teresa’s Girls', Jamhuri Secondary School (Thika) and Mbagathi Girls'.
The Marsabit girls’ pool features ACK St Peter’s, Dakabarichia High School, Gadamojii High School and Moi Girls' Marsabit.
From the Nyanza/Western region, Nyabisase Girls', Nyagichenje Girls' and Chilani High School will contest for honours, while the Coast pool brings together MSC Academy, Paul Harris and Canona Kituri.
The Rift Valley region has St Joseph’s Girls' and Itigo Girls'