SCHOOLS: St Joseph's rule Rift valley ball games

St Joseph's Boys Chief Principal Cosmas Nabungolo celebrates with his players and fans at Silibwet Sports ground, Bomet. [Gilbert Kimutai, Standard]

Debutants St Joseph’s Boys High School stunned Laiser Academy 2-0 to lift the Rift Valley regional football title at Silibwet Sports Ground in Bomet on Saturday.

St. Joseph broke the deadlock in the 21st minute through Elija Kuir's effort after he pounced on Mwala Toney's rebound.

Attempts by Laiser to change the tempo of the match by bringing in fresh blood did not bear fruits as the first half ended in favour of the champions.

On resumption, St Joseph's made all intentions known that they were out to grab the title as they made numerous raids.

 Their efforts paid off in the 64th minute thanks to Mwala Tonney's individual goal.

Laiser had a chance to secure a consolation goal from the spot but the penalty was saved by St Joseph goalkeeper.

St Joseph's Chief Principal Cosmas Nabungolo could not hide his joy after the match saying that it was a well-deserved win for his boys.

He said their eyes are now set on the national games which will be staged in Kisumu next month.

“I lack words to share the feeling but we deserved it because of the hard work and determination displayed by our boys,” he said.

“The players have always sacrificed and stayed back during holiday to train and the fruits have been realised."

Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang who came to witness the finals hailed all teams for an impressive display.

“We not only won the boys' title but also girls' football title and basketball as well as rugby. That is why we have all the reasons to celebrate,” said Chesang.

St Joseph's Girls won the football title after beating Nasokol Girls at the finals 2-1.

St Joseph's Girls took the lead through Mwanaidi Nzaka in the 56 minute, but her celebration was cut short by Nasakol's equaliser two minutes later.

But the champions had to wait until the 87th minute before scoring the winner.

In volleyball boys', former national and East Africa champions Cheptil High School from Nandi County dethroned reigning national champions Arnesen High from Trans Nzoia County after beating them 3-0 in the final.

It was sweet revenge to the new champions after losing to their rivals in last year’s competition held at Nyahururu in Laikipia County.

Enroute to the final, Cheptil beat St Patrick High School 3-1 while Andersen edged out Simat High School with a similar scoreline.

The new champions have been in cold for some years and are ready to reclaim their national title.

Cheptil head coach Hillary Melly said they are going to Kisumu to restore their lost glory.

“We are heading to the nationals with only one intention, to win and bring back both the national and East Africa titles,” said Melly.

In girls' volleyball, national champions Kesogon Secondary School eased past former champions AIC Kosirai to defend their regional title. Kesogon beat Kosirai 3-0.

Netball was won by Andersen from Trans Nzoia. Andersen beat NYS Secondary School from Nakuru County 63-19 in a one-sided match.

Kabeareng Secondary School won the third spot after edging Kapkitony 28-15.