St Peters, Simotwo clash in School Games rugby
What you need to know:
- Rugby Sevens champions St Peters Mumias launch their bid for a second title against Simotwo High from Mau Region in Pool ‘A’
- St Peters beat Kangaru 19-7 in last year’s final in Nyeri and will be eyeing to retain their title in this year’s competition.
- St Peters edged out Chavakali High 22-12 in the Nzoia Region final to book their place in the nationals.
- Molo upset Simotwo 12-7 in the Mau Region finals and the hosts will need to be wary of an upset.
- Last year’s runners up Kangaru are in Pool C and will get their campaign off against Mau Region champions Molo Secondary who are making their debut at the games.
Sevens rugby and athletics begin Thursday morning as the National Secondary Schools Term Two 'A' Games enter their third day at the Kangaru High School, Embu County.
Rugby Sevens champions St Peters Mumias launch their bid for a second title against Simotwo High from Mau Region in Pool ‘A’ while the other pool encounter will see Lake Region’s Cardinal Otunga take on Garashi (Coast).
St Peters beat Kangaru 19-7 in last year’s final in Nyeri and will be eyeing to retain their title in this year’s competition. St Peters edged out Chavakali High 22-12 in the Nzoia Region final to book their place in the nationals.
REMAINED CONFIDENT
St Peters coach Eric Chebutala is confident his charges have the experience to retain their title and also qualify for the East African Games.
“No one thought we could win the title last year but we proved them wrong. Every school will be out to stop us this year but we are ready,” Chebutala told Daily Nation Sport on Wednesday.
Last year’s runners up Kangaru are in Pool C and will get their campaign off against Mau Region champions Molo Secondary who are making their debut at the games.
Molo upset Simotwo 12-7 in the Mau Region finals and the hosts will need to be wary of an upset.
The 2014 champions Maseno School from Lake Region take on Coastal side Galana while Laiser Hill from Metropolitan play Kajiunduthi High.
The top two schools in the four pools will advance to the Cup quarters to be played on Friday.
In athletics, national boys’ 10,000m champion Andrew Lorot will be favourite to retain his crown in his specialty. Lorot, a form four student from Riruta Central of Metropolitan Region, will be seeking to bow out in style in his final year as a junior.
“A lot is at stake in this race and I hope it will end in my favour. I want to win another title in my last year,” Lorot said.
Lorot, who will also be defending the 5,000m crown, posted 29:37.4 to win last year’s 10,000m race where he upset 2014 champion Alfred Barkach.
Matthew Kimeli from Kiptulos School won silver in a time of 29:43.5 while Titus Mogusi from Lake Region won the bronze in 29:46.1.
East Africa Secondary Schools 5,000m champion Valentine Mateiko will also look to defend her title in her specialty.
THURSDAY'S FIXTURES
Rugby Sevens- St Peters v Simotwo, Cardinal v Garashi, Kiriani v Githiga, Upper Hill v Kevote, Chavakali v Nyeri, Molo v Kangaru, Maseno v Galana, Laiser Hill v Kajiunduthi
Girls Football – Olympic v Katutu, Passenga v Wiyeta, Abwao v Eburru, Kwale v Gategi
Boys Football – Utithi v Simotwo, Barding v Garissa, Kaya Tiwi v Katheka, Wahundura v St Anthony’s
Girls Handball – Sega v Kirigara, Kamusinga v Kabianga, Wajir Girls v Graceland
Boys Handball – Kimilili v Makongeni, St Georges v Mutonguni, Iterio v Waberi, St Peters v Igegania
Girls Netball – Karuri v Syumile, Mukuyu v Kaya Tiwi, Cheptil v Kirigara, Obambo v Senior Chief Ogle
