SCHOOLS: St Mary's Yala retain Nyanza Region rugby sevens title

St Mary's Yala star Innocent Murunda (center) shuggs off a tcakle from Anjego during Nyanza Region rugby sevens finals.[Sammy Omingo,Standard]

St Mary’s School Yala and Nyakach Girls High School were crowned the rugby sevens champions after emerging top in the four-day tournament that ended at Cardinal Otunga Mosocho on Saturday.

Yala defended their title after thrashing Anjego Mixed Secondary School 24-5.

Brian Ooko, Innocent Murunda, Joseph Onyango and Albert Otieno were in the form of their lives after crossing over the white wash to send Yala to the national finals set for next month.

St Mary's Yala head coach George Kerima.[Sammy Omingo,Standard]

Speaking after the win, Yala coach George Kerima congratulated the boys for showing Yala still got the touch that lifted them to the East African games last year.

“Many underrated us when we came to Kisii but we have shown why we are a rugby power house. This win is for the boys and we want to return to East Africa after last year’s debut,” said Kerima.

Anjego rugby sevens players perfrom their version of the haka after qualifying for the national finals.[Sammy Omingo,Standard]

Yala and Anjego will be joined by Kisii School at the national finals. Kisii defeated Otieno Oyoo High School 17-12 in sudden death to finish third and book the last ticket to nationals.

However, Otieno Oyoo who finished fourth during their first time at the regionals will be banking on the status of North Eastern rugby, where if the region fails to bring a team they will automatically qualify for nationals.

Nyagechenche secondary school rugby players in action against Nyakach Girls at Cardinal Otunga High School Mosocho during Nyanza Regiona Secondary school games.[Sammy Omingo,Standard]

On the other hand, Nyakach Girls dethroned Koru Girls after they were crowned new champions following their 5-0 win over Nyagichenche.

In the third place playoff, Nyakongo narrowly saw off Sidindi 12-10.

All four girls’ rugby teams qualify for the national finals where Sidindi coach Gerald Ochieng is ready to help the first timers from Siaya County leave a mark.

“It’s our first time at the regionals and we are going to nationals. This is a very impressive result for the school and the girls majorly made up of form ones. We will be ready to show our talents at the nationals,” said Ochieng.