SCHOOLS. Butula, All Saints cruise to semis at school games

Butula Boys High School's Daniel Wafula (right) tackling All Saints High School's Clark Jaricho during Kenya Secondary Schools sports Association Rugby match Term One games in Machakos County. April 11, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Last year's East Africa rugby 15s silver medalists Butula Boys High School and national champions All Saints Embu are through to the semis.

The Kenyans on Tuesday secured their last four slots after winning their second pool matches played at Mbale Rugby Union Grounds.

Butula who are looking to improve on the second place finish and bag their first East Africa gong showed no mercy to compatriots Kitondo High School dribbling them 43-3 in a Group B encounter.

Butula coach Shimenga Livondo urged his charges to remain focused.

"We have won our first two matches convincingly but we can't afford to lose focus because the competition will become tougher at the knockouts," Shimenga said. 

Butula were without doubt the stronger side dominating the game from the onset to take a 21-0 lead at halftime. Butula captain Daniel Wafula anchored his side to victory with two tries.

Adrian Kwenda touched down twice with Michael Lukusi converting five tries for the 2023 national champions.

All Saints thrashed Lenana School 45-11 in their second Group A match to book their semis slot. 

Samuel Mukoma led the Embu based students with three tries as Lenana who finished fourth at the nationals struggled to contain them.

All Saints tactician Benson Mwenda said that they will be out today to win their last group match so they can top their pool.

"Our first two two opponents were tougher because we played defending champions and our fellow Kenyans who are equally good. The boys are in high spirits and are yearning to win and finish on top of the group," Mwenda said.

Today, Butula will lock horns with Makerere College while All Saints will face Namilyango College in their last group matches. Kitondo and Lenana School will Kings College Buddo and St Mary's Kisubi.