Kakamega win rugby 15s, Buruburu dethrone Kaya Tiwi

Rugby powerhouse Kakamega School reclaimed their National School Games rugby 15s title while Buruburu Girls bagged their first basketball  title in 19-years ending Kaya Tiwi dominance as curtains came down on Term One Games on Saturday in Shimo La Tewa Secondary and Shanzu Teachers College Grounds in Mombasa.

In rugby contest, Kakamega clinched their unprecedented eighth national title beating Dagoretti 18-11 in the finals to bounce back after they were shocked by Menengai in semi-finals in last year’s edition.

The national multiple champions and 2016 East Africa champions reclaimed their 2017 title from this year’s Sevens winners Upper Hill who failed to reach national 15s finals this year.

In a post-match reflection, the record title holder’s captain Roy Keanu said team work and determination was key in attaining the feat while also relishing the challenge of winning the East Africa title in August in Tanzania.

“After we crashed out in semi- finals last year we went back to the drawing board and we came up with a winning technique which has propelled us to the success. Now we want a sweep in Tanzania and I am upbeat we can replicate the same in the August competition,” he told Citizen Digital.

Dagoretti head coach Victor Walgwe however conceded defeat but promised to bounce back in the East Africa fiesta.

“It was a great achievement to reach finals in the first time and I thank Kakamega for their feat but I tell them I will give them a run on their money in Tanzania,” Walgwe who is also brother to Upper Hill coach Thomas Walgwe charged.

In Tanzania, Kenya will be represented by Kakamega,Dagoretti and Kangaru for 15s while Upper Hill, Laiser Hill and St.Peters Mumias will fly Kenya’s flag in sevens version category.

At the same time, Buruburu ended Kaya Tiwi’s three years basketball dominance to win first national title in 19 years.

The Nairobi queens dethroned the coastal based side by 43-41 points with quarters of 11-13, 16-11,9-8 and 7-19.

Julius Otieno ,the Nairobi champions long-serving head coach said it was a good revenge against the Philip Onyango led side after defeating them in last year’s finals held in Embu.

“We are very happy after exacting revenge on our opponents especially in their region. They had dominated for long and I was optimistic I will triumh,” he said.

In boys’ contest, Rift Valley’s Laiser Hill successfully defended their title edging out spirited Dagoretti by 69-52.

In East Africa scene, Buruburu and Kaya Tiwi will fly Kenya’s flag for girls while seven-time champions Laiser will represent the country alongside their fellow finalists Dagoretti.

2019 National Winners/East-Africa bound

Rugby 15s

Kakamega

Dagoretti

Kangaru

Rugby 7s

Upper Hill

Laiser Hill

St.Peters

Basketball Boys

Laiser Hill

Dagoretti

Basketball Girls

Buruburu

Kaya Tiwi