Jericho banks on consistency against Laiser Hill going into schools final

Champions Ofafa Jericho hope to ride on their consistency and improved performance in set-pieces when they face stubborn Laiser Hill Academy in the schools final of the Impala Floodlit rugby tournament this Saturday.

Jericho coach James Kaindi believes that their character and maturity have contributed to their performance at the Floodlit tournament.

Jericho launched their defence well, beating Moi Forces Academy 27-6 before crushing Makini 41-0 to set up a classy final against Laiser Hill, who have also been equally clinical. Laiser Hill mauled Mang’u 22-0 before edging out Alliance 25-14 to advance to the final.

“Our consistency in training and great improvement in the scrums and line-outs are what have worked for us,” said Kaindi.

“We used to be a second-half team but I have slowly managed to instil the discipline for an all-round 80-minute display and that has sustained the tempo from last year.”

Kaindi said the stunning display last year, rolling over Alliance High School 17-0 for their first ever final appearance to win the title was an eye opener. “We now have self belief that we can perform even better,” Kaindi said. “Our empathic victories don’t show how good we are but how hungry we want to succeed.

Ofafa Jericho skipper Alfred Omuombo attributed their sustained campaign to self-belief, great team work that entails good communication between the backs and forwards.

Ofafa lost in the quarterfinals of the schools county championships in both in 15s and sevens version but Kaindi blames it on poor officiating.

“Someone can deny you victory but he can’t get that talent away from you. I am pleased by the officiating at the Impala Floodlit and how I wish it could be ext4ended to other Schools competitions,” said Kaindi.

Tournament director Willy Ombisi has urged fans to turn out in numbers for the final as two returns tickets will be at stake for lucky winners for the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens in December.