Africa-Press – Kenya. St Mary’s School, Yala, delivered a major upset after edging defending rugby 15s champions Kisii School 11-3 as the Nyanza Secondary Schools Sports Association Term One games entered day two at Maseno School.
In a tightly contested encounter, Yala took control early, heading into the break with an 8-3 lead courtesy of a try by Henry Odiwuor and a penalty from Hannington Odera.
Kisii, the reigning Federation of East African Secondary Schools Games rugby 15s champions, replied through a penalty by Leystone Onduko.
Timothy Wesonga sealed the victory for Yala with a second-half penalty, ensuring the former champions made a strong statement in their quest to reclaim regional dominance. Yala head coach George Kerima expressed confidence in his team’s resurgence.
“The game was tight, but we have confirmed that we are the best. We have worked on our previous mistakes. We have a well-conditioned game, and we want to go all the way and reclaim our lost glory,” he said.
Kisii coach Edwin Morara remained optimistic despite the defeat. “It was a painful loss. The boys played well, but it didn’t work out. However, we have to win all our upcoming games,” he noted.
Elsewhere, Cardinal Otunga High School Mosocho beat Gendia 21-6, while Otieno Oyoo High School edged Friends School Anjego 19-15. Hosts Maseno School saw off debutants Nyambaria School 17-5.
In basketball, St Mary’s Yala—backed by Chief Principal V.O. Makanda—became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals after registering two wins.
They opened with a 38-34 victory over St Joseph’s Rapogi before cruising past Kisumu Boys High School 55-28. Former champions Agoro Sare High School, coached by Paul Odock, needed a last-gasp three-pointer to edge hosts Maseno School 38-35.
“The game lived up to expectations. The whole school was behind Maseno, but that did not deter us,” said Odock. Maseno coach Patrick Mboya backed his side to bounce back.
“It was a good game. Players showed the desire to win. We expect the players to step up and win the upcoming games,” he said.
In girls’ hockey, Ng’iya Girls High School began their title defence dominantly, thrashing Amaiko Girls School 5-0. There was also a major upset as Geke Mixed Secondary School stunned former East Africa champions Sinyolo Girls High School 2-0, while Agenga Mixed Secondary School held former champions Nyamira Girls High School to a 1-1 draw.
In the boys’ hockey category, defending champions Ringa Boys High School thrashed Nyambaria School 5-0, while Kisumu Day High School beat Cardinal Otunga High School 4-1. Maseno School drew 2-2 with Ambira High School, as Oriwo Boys High School defeated Kanyawanga High School 2-0.
As the games gather momentum, early results are already reshaping expectations across disciplines, with emerging contenders and surprise results setting the stage for an unpredictable championship.
