SCHOOLS: Maseno School win Kisumu County rugby sevens title

Maseno School's Winston Ngulu (center) in action against Otieno Oyoo.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Maseno School are the 2024 Kisumu County Secondary School rugby sevens champions.

Maseno were crowned champions on Saturday after narrowly edging out Otieno Oyoo High School 7-0 in a tight-physical match played at the Maseno rugby grounds.

The match attended by thousands of fans majority made up of students saw the first half end tied at 0-0 after push and pull from both sides.

Maseno School's Winston Ngulu (center) in action against Otieno Oyoo.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Hugely a game of kicking for territory, line out set pieces and scrums, Maseno School broke the deadlock two minutes from the final hooter after scrum half Fidel Patrick caught the Otieno Oyoo defense napping off a scrum to score between the posts after quick thinking.

Winston Ngulu converted the try for a 7-0 lead, a score they defended until the sound of the hooter as they retained their Kisumu County rugby sevens title.

Maseno School coach Sebastian Ochieng. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Speaking after the win, Maseno School coach Sebastian Ochieng said patience won them the game, promising more to come at the regionals.

The World Rugby Level Two Certified tactician believes they can make it back to the nationals after last year’s return.

“Congratulations to the boys. They gave their best in a very tough match and I expect them to continue with the same spirit.

“We are still far from attaining our goal, to reach the nationals. We are going back to the drawing board and this time we will be ready,” said Ochieng.

Maseno School (R) in action against Otieno Oyoo.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Despite the defeat, both Maseno School and Otieno Oyoo have qualified for the Nyanza Region finals slated to be played in Kisii.

Otieno Oyoo upset favorites Nyabondo High School 17-5 in the semifinals, a win that confirmed their dominance during the three day championships.

On the other hand, Maseno School thrashed Kisumu Boys 49-0 in the other semis.

Otieno Oyoo begun the games with a 7-7 draw against Kisumu Day in the group stage before progressing on to thump Nyamasaria Secondary School 26-0.

The Oscar Okaron led side proceeded to book a spot in the last eight after a tight 10-5 win over Onjiko High School.