SCHOOLS: Shock as East Africa and national champs Koyonzo sent home by Bwake in Kisii

Kayonzo Boys Rugby players in action against Malindi Boys players during National Secondary School games at Kisii School.[Sammy Omingo, Standard]

National rugby sevens defending champions Koyonzo Secondary School are out of the KSSSA Term Two games.

Koyonzo who are also the defending East Africa rugby sevens champions were sent packing after losing to Rift Valley giants Friends School Bwake 10-5 in the semifinals played at Kisii School on Tuesday evening.

Calistas Wanjala gave Bwake a deserved 5-0 lead after tearing through the Koyonzo defense before Miracle Kiptoo restored parity after the half time hooter to tie 5-5 after the opening seven minutes.

In the final half, Wanjala returned to haunt the Western region champions after breaking free in the right wing to score near the corner post flag and restore Bwake’s five-point lead.

Koyonzo tried numerous times to break the Bwake defensive line but hit the wall as the Rift Valley heavyweights defended with pride before the final hooter sounded, winning 10-5.

Speaking after the win, Mikisi Cleaophas congratulated his boys stating that they never folded despite the might name of Koyonzo who have won the national title for the past two years.

“It was tough but we were mentally ready for them. Koyonzo has amazing talent and very good players and all we had to do was to use our opportunities and defend well to get through and I am happy it worked,” said Cleophas.

 “The journey is not yet done and we regroup on Wednesday for the semis.”

Only one quarterfinal was played with the remaining three matches slated to be played first thing in the morning at Kisii grounds.

Last year’s bronze medallist St Mary’s School Yala will face off against Kabianga while Kisii School entertain Meru School. Western Region silver medallist Vihiga High School will face Nairobi School in the final quarters.

KSSSA National Games

Rugby Sevens Results

Day One Results

Round One

1. Koyonzo 28 Malindi 15
2. Nairobi Sch 12 Otieno Oyoo 7
3. Vihiga 17 Alliance 0
4. Bwake 12 Upper Hill 5
5. Yala 36 Mpesa 0
6. Kisii 36 Lushangoni 0
7. Meru 5 Kangaru 0
8. Kabianga 14 Anjego 5

Round Two:

9. Koyonzo 10 Otieno Oyoo 5
10. Nairobi sch 19 Malindi 17
11. Vihiga 5 Upper Hill 0
12. Bwake 34 Alliance 0
13. Yala 36 Lushangoni 0
14. Kisii 19 Mpesa 19
15. Meru 7 Anjego 5
16. Kabianga 5 Kangaru 0

Day Two Fixtures

Round Three:

17. Malindi 10,Otieno Oyoo 12
18. Alliance 5, Upper Hill 12
19. Mpesa 28 ,Lushangoni 0
20. Kangaru 5 Anjego 7
21. Koyonzo Boys 22, Nairobi School 14
22. Vihiga Highschool 17, Bwake Boys 0
23. Saint Mary's Yala 7, Kisii School 14
24. Meru School 0,Kabianga Boys 7