Laiser Hill floor Kakamega in rugby

Laiser Hill Academy from Metropolitan region on Friday ended Kakamega High’s hopes of reclaiming the rugby title after they beat the Nzoia region representatives 8-5 in a closely-contested semi-final match of the Brookside secondary schools Term One games at Nakuru Boys.

Following the loss, the six-time champions will not represent the country in the East African school games in Rwanda as only the winner and runners-up will carry Kenya’s flag at the regional games.

Some of Kakamega High’s players could not contain their frustration and broke down in tears after the final whistle.

“Laiser were just too hungry for victory and they utilised all their chances but we squandered ours including three easy tries,” said Kakamega High coach Brian Makalama, who also handles Kenya Cup Rugby League side Western Bulls.

Laiser coach Kevin Wambua was happy with the win and praised his charges for their great display.

“I’m happy because beating a powerhouse like Kakamega is a big boost. This historic victory will be remembered for many years,” said Wambua.

The Metropolitan region representatives opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Dean Ochieng slotted in a penalty before Kakamega’s Ayub Makuto also converted a penalty that took the game to 3-3 at the interval.

Kevin Rukwaro was the hero of the day after he dazzled his way through the heavily-guarded Kakamega defence to score a try that sealed the fate of the Nzoia region representatives. In the other semi-final match, East African champions Maseno High School from the Lake region beat battling Kangaru from Highlands 25-13 to set up an explosive final with Laiser today.

It was Kangaru who drew the first blood when Kelvin Mburu scored a penalty in the sixth minute but the lead was short-lived as Maseno’s Brian Ochieng touched down two minutes later to give his side the lead.

Maseno further stretched their lead when Ben Olenja scored a penalty in the 18th minute before touching down in the 27th minute. Manase Kembo made the conversion.

Kangaru returned from the break rejuvenated with skipper Theophilus Soo reducing the deficit with a try but Maseno restored their lead after Brian Ochieng touched down in the 52nd minute. Christopher Mbogo’s late try for Kangaru was more like a consolation as the Lake region representatives held on to win 25-13.

“We are ready for Laiser and since we know they will come out guns blazing, we shall give them the same dose we gave Kangaru,” charged Maseno coach Gilbert Onyango.

Today’s order of play

8am Third play offs: Kakamega v Kangaru.

10am: finals Maseno v Laiser Hill