Upper Hill out to win Maiden National Sevens title

Nairobi region Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term One Rugby 7’s champions Upper Hill head coach Thomas Walgwe, says his team is ready to face baptism of fire when the national games kick off on Monday in Mombasa.

After losing their 15’s version title to fast-rising Dagoretti in the regions finals last month, the East Africa 15’s champions will be making a seven-aside version comeback since 2015 and Walgwe is upbeat his side can challenge the bigwigs.

The Nairobi-based team downed Rift-valley’s Menengai in 2018 to clinch their maiden 15’s title and Walgwe is hoping to replicate the same in 7’s version in Mombasa.

To book the national slot, Upper Hill defeated Muhuri Muchiri by 17-0 in the regional finals last month.

“We expect a tough battle in Mombasa but I think I have a good squad which can challenge the title. Last year we won our first ever 15s title and I hope we do the same in 7s version which we have never won also,” he underscored.

The East African champions will however have a lot of work to do to wrestle the 7s title from champions Laiser Hill of Rift Valley.

Also in contention are 2015 national and East Africa winners St. Peters Mumias who will be eyeing to reclaim their title after a good run in the regional level where they defeated fellow Western region representative Vihiga High School in the finals.

Also to watch out is Muvuti of Eastern, Shimba Hills from Coast, Chianda of Nyanza and Central’s Kerugoya Boys after lifting the respective regional titles. The 7s version draws will be conducted on Monday.

In 15’s contest, Western champions and 2017winners Kakamega will start their quest to reclaim their title against Galana Secondary School from Coast, Kangaru of Eastern and Rift Valley’s champions Kabianga in Pool B while 2014 runners up Maseno face off Kwale High of Coast region,Alliance Boys of Central and Nairobi’s Dagoretti in Pool A.

In this year’s edition both Rugby 15’s and Rugby 7’s will be played in term one following KSSSA new changes in school games calendar. Rugby 15s traditionally has been played in term two.

The Term One action is featuring; basketball, hockey, rugby 15’s, rugby 7’s, swimming, handball, cross-country and athletics while Term Two Games will comprise of netball, football U16 & U19, volleyball and racket games.

The one-week event which ends on April 14 will be held at Shimo La Tewa and Shanzu Teachers Training College grounds.