Yala, Upper Hill bag rugby wins as Matuu stun Highway in handball

St Mary's Yala rugby players and All Saints during Brookside National Term One Rugby match at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium. April 7, 2026. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

St Mary’s School Yala announced their arrival back at the nationals with a bang after stunning former national and East Africa champions All Saints Embu 10-8 in a tight match played yesterday at Mamboleo Stadium.

Timothy Wesonga crossed over the white wash five minutes from the break to give the hosts a narrow 5-0 half time lead.

In the final half, the Eastern champions rallied back through Peter Otieno who scored an unconverted try before Boniface Mwangi split the posts with a penalty that saw All Saints lead 8-5 with 10 minutes left.

However, just like they did at the Nyanza finals when they defeated Kisii School at the death to win 9-6 with a last gasp drop goal, Henry Odiwuor powered through the Saints defense to ground a last minute try to steal a 10-8 win.

Speaking after the match, Yala coach George Kerima praised his charges for not giving up and now focuses on winning their next match  to seal semis slot.

“What a game. It was tense from kick off but I am happy with the mental strength the boys showed despite going behind in a game we dominated,” said Kerima.

“Our target is to win our second match and make it into the semis with a game to spare. That will ease the pressure as we aim to get to the finals.” Nairobi champions Upper Hill followed Yala by crushing Kwale High School 26-0.

In Group B, Menengai thrashed Mangu 46-5 while Paul Harris hammered Sidindi 20-3.

In handball, defending champions Moi Girls Kamusinga defeated debutants Nyakach Girls 27-19 as St Austin Matuu Day from Eastern, who were making their debut, stunned Highway 23-18. 

Handege on the other hand edged out Sheik Ali 47-30. 

“Great start for the girls who endured a rather physical game to emerge tops,” said Godfrey Simiyu.