Meru School, Miathene shine as curtain comes down on Eastern region games

Meru School reclaimed basketball title they last won in 2009, thrashing immediate champions Kangaru School as newcomers Miathene stunned Kangaru to clinch their maiden rugby 15s title as the curtains came down on Eastern region school games held at Kangaru, Embu County.

In basketball, Meru downed the hosts Kangaru by 104-66 points in a grand finale with the new champions taking an early lead in the first quarter winning 19-11.

In the second quarter, the Meru County champions continued with their flying start claiming a 24-20 win despite Kangaru narrowing the margin.

In the third quarter, Kangaru surrendered 36-13 and finally relinquished their title following a 25-22 defeat in the final quarter to end Meru School’s ten-year drought for the gong.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, the new champions head coach Paul Muli expressed his confidence of putting a stellar performance in the nationals set for next month.

“We have waited for a long time for this title and I am very happy to win it against heavyweights Kangaru. Now it will not be business as usual because our target is to win the nationals which will be held,” an emotional Muli said.

In the girl’s category, Kirigara Girls from Meru County successfully defended their title edging Mua Girls of Machakos by 61-44 points to book a national slot.

Meanwhile, Miathene Boys of Meru stunned Kangaru in rugby 15s, beating the hosts 16-12 to win their first ever title in the competition.

Before the heated finale, Miathene, despite dumping out their bitter rivals Meru School in the semis, were ranked as underdogs but announced their dominance in style, walloping the region’s rugby giants.

In an interview with Citizen Digital after their big win, Miathene head coach Patrick Mwita said that determination and being underrated by their opponents worked in their favour.

“We have been reaching quarter-finals in recent past and now we have a good feeling after trouncing hosts and champions Kangaru, despite their home advantage. Our aim is to do better at the national level although we expect a big challenge from seasoned teams like Kakamega,” Mwita said.

Kangaru will also represent Eastern region to the nationals as the runners-up, aiming to redeem themselves after the home heartache in the just concluded competitions.

However, the hosts reclaimed the hockey title in boy’s category, beating Meru School 1-0 as St. Joseph Kibwezi retained the girl’s title edging Moi Girls of Marsabit 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the encounter ended 1-1 in regulation time.

In handball, Makueni’s Nduluni Boys retained their title beating Meru champions Kathanthatu 27-17 points while Kwanthanze Girls of Machakos won comfortably against their compatriots Good Hope 19-9 to claim the girl’s title.

In athletics Machakos County topped with 305 points; both girls and boys, followed by Makueni with 233 points.