Rugby 15s action between Kisii School and Namilyango College/ANGWENYI GICHANA
Kenyan schools wasted no time stamping their authority on the 33rd Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games in Morogoro, Tanzania, with defending champions Upper Hill and Kisii School launching their rugby title defences in emphatic fashion on an action-packed opening day.
Upper Hill underlined their credentials as title favourites after beating Uganda’s St Mary’s Kisubi 25-12 in a thrilling 15s rugby encounter.
Shavan Ochieng, Richard Omondi, Abdalla Mohammed and Shakur Ndarira crossed the whitewash for Upper Hill, with Benjamin Echeru adding a penalty and a conversion.
Kelvin Alipio and Andrew Kizito scored Kisubi’s tries, with Trey Gateja converting once.
Upper Hill captain Chris Wekesa said: “The game was good. We agreed with my teammates that we must win our opening game. We are focusing on the ultimate prize, the trophy.”
At Sokoine University of Agriculture, defending champions Kisii School, coached by Edwin Morara, launched their title defence in style with a 47-3 demolition of Uganda’s Namilyango College.
In boys’ football, debutants St Mary’s School Yala suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against 13-time champions St Mary’s School Kitende, while national champions Kakamega’s Green Commandos lost 2-1 to Uganda’s Kyadondo.
In the girls’ category, national champions St Joseph’s Girls Kitale were held to a goalless draw by Tanzania’s Alliance Girls, while Nyakach Girls drew 1-1 with Jinja Progressive.
Kenyan teams also enjoyed a strong opening day in girls’ hockey.
Defending champions St Joseph’s Girls Kitale began their title defence with a 4-0 thrashing of Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa. Salome Ayoo scored twice, while Valarie Imisa and Cherish Kamimi added a goal apiece.
Coach John Lusaka said their focus had shifted to their second match against compatriots Ng’iya Girls.
“Ng’iya is an opponent that we know very well. It’s a game we must win to progress to the semis,” said Lusaka.
Former champions Nyamira Girls also made a flying start, walloping Arusha Meru 6-0. Sara Mitchel scored twice, with Gracia Pauline, Ruth Nakhumicha, Cecilia Balala and Mary Mitchell getting one each.
Coach Stephen Kigai said: “It was a good opening day result. We are taking a game at a time with lessons to pick. Our aim is to top the pool.”
Ng’iya Girls narrowly beat Uganda’s St Mary’s Namagunga 1-0, with Quincy Achieng scoring the decisive goal.
Ng’iya coach Oduor Nyadida said: “It was a good game. We played a pressing game, but Namagunga were resilient, forcing us to a late winner. We are going full blast against St Joseph’s.”
In basketball, Kaya Tiwi thrashed Tanzania’s Uru Community 96-49, while defending champions Moi Girls Kamusinga beat Nyakach Girls 36-25 in a Kenyan handball derby.
In boys’ handball, Kenya’s Matuu Memorial suffered a 40-23 defeat against former champions Gombe of Uganda.
Boys’ volleyball national champions Chesamisi made a dream debut after overwhelming compatriots Matiliku 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-17).
ACK Chepsaita, however, lost 3-2 (25-21, 21-25, 16-25, 25-19, 15-11) to Uganda’s Namugongo in a five-set thriller.
In netball, defending champions St Mary’s Kitende defeated Kenya’s St Monica Bukokholo 77-26.
