Bigwigs fall as curtains come down on Coast regional games

Coast region will have new representatives at this year’s term one national secondary school games after the defending champions were ousted in the regional games that were concluded Saturday in Mombasa County.

St John’s Kaloleni of Kilifi County captured the hockey girls’ title after edging out defending champions Bura Girls of Taita Taveta County by a solitary goal scored by Zara Akosa in the 50th minute.

Kaloleni’s head coach Austin Mushima said they were certain of the win owing to adequate preparations prior to the competition. However, the job is not yet done for them until they reclaim the national title.

“Last time we won the national title was in 2014 in Shanzu.  Coincidentally, this year’s championships will be hosted there (Shanzu) and thus our target is to replicate the same,” said Mushima.

In the boy’s category,  St. Charles Lwanga of Mombasa County were crowned the champions after beating St.Georges of Kilifi County 3-0 on post-match penalties with both teams proceeding to the nationals. Defending champions and hosts Shimo La Tewa were earlier eliminated on the semis by St Charles Lwanga.

Elsewhere, schools from Kwale county dominated in rugby with Shimba Hills outclassing Barani of Kilifi in rugby 7s as Kwale High claimed the 15s title after demolishing Galana High 15-3 in the finals.

Shimba Hills head coach Said Kenya alluded that the championship was very competitive unlike in the previous editions.

“We had to use our chances well and at the same time the experience from some of our players was key for our win in the finals,’’ observed Kenya.

Kaya Tiwi girls and Aga khan Academy retained their basketball girls and boys titles after edging out Bura girls and Mombasa Baptist School by 122-05 and 67-44 respectively.

In handball, Voi White House captured both the boys and girls titles. The boy’s team edged Shimo La Tewa 17-15 while the girls beat Majenjeni 15-11.

After the regional games, the focus now shifts to the national championships set for Mombasa in April.