SCHOOLS: St Mary's Yala and Nyakongo Girls crowned Siaya County rugby sevens champions

Beast of St Mary's Yala (right) races past his marker to score a try against Ambira.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

St Mary’s School Yala and Nyakongo Girls are the 2024 Siaya County Secondary School rugby sevens champions.

The two sides dominated action at the three-day Term Two championship that ended on Saturday at Rageng’ni Primary School in Rarieda.

Sidindi's Mitchele Atieno (R) in action agaisnt Nyakongo. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Yala hammered Sawagongo High School 38-0 in the finals to retain their trophy and qualify for the Nyanza Region finals set to be played in Kisii School next month.

Speaking after the win, Yala head coach George Kerima said they have passed one hurdle as they aim for East Africa again.

Yala qualified for the East Africa last year for the first time in their history when former coach Kenneth Mukok was the head coach and Kerima who was the assistant coach at that time believes he can surpass last year’s mark.

St Mary's Yala coach George Kerima (L). [Washington Onyango,Standard]

“Our target is to get to East Africa again after qualifying to the same stage last year for the first time. We know we have the talent and quality to get on top but our strategy still remains taking a game at a time,” said Kerima.

“It won’t be easy with heavyweights Maseno School, Kisii School and new entrants like Otieno Oyoo all targeting a spot in the national finals but we shall be ready. This Yala team is talented.”

St Mary's Yala Fredrick Nyamboga (R) in action against Ambira.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Yala knocked out Ambira 28-0 in the semifinals while Sawagongo shocked Chianda High School 12-5.

In the girl’s category, Nyakongo Girls narrowly edged out Sidindi 5-0 to emerge champions.

Sidindi's Valentine Akoth (L) in action against Nyakongo.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Sidindi had hammered Usinda 17-12 in the semis as Nyakongo narrowly knocked out Nyamira Girls 3-0.