Champions Kakamega off to winning start in Western games

What you need to know:

  • The national champions beat Chavakali 12-3 in their opening pool B tie.
  • Kakamega led 9-3 at the drinks, before going on to finish the job in the second half. Centre Timothy Omela kicked three penalties, while fly half Tony Oketch chipped in with a drop goal to give the Barbarians the win.

Champions Kakamega High School began their regional rugby 15s title defence on a winning note as the 2018 Western Region Secondary Schools Term One Games entered day two at Friends School Kamusinga on Thursday.

The national champions beat Chavakali 12-3 in their opening pool B tie.

Kakamega led 9-3 at the drinks, before going on to finish the job in the second half. Centre Timothy Omela kicked three penalties, while fly half Tony Oketch chipped in with a drop goal to give the Barbarians the win.

Kakamega coach Amos Wanga said the result went their way due to his tactical plan.

"Chavakali are a very good side which forced me to change my game plan because they proved to be hard to break down," the coach said.

Hosts Kamusinga nicked a narrow 3-0 win against Sigalame of Busia County in another pool clash.

In pool A, 2014 national winners St Peter's Mumias beat Vihiga 10-0, whereas 2016 winners Bungoma High, who are seeking a return to the nationals after missing last year's contest, thrashed Sigalame 18-3.

Twelve time national boys' hockey champions, Friends School Kamusinga exacted revenge on perennial rivals Musingu, eding them 2-0 win in the championship opener. Musingu denied the hosts a chance at last year's nationals held in Nairobi.

Kamusinga's Alex Taiswa netted a brace in a match that was a repeat of last year's regional final that Musingu edged out Kamusinga 1-0.

Taiswa struck in the 13th and 35th minutes to give the hosts a dream start.

In handball, former national champions St Luke's Kimilili (boys) and Moi Girls Kamusinga (MGK) got off to perfect starts, winning their respective matches.

Kimilili beat rivals Kolanya of Busia County 26-15 in a boys' group B encounter, while MGK handed a lesson to their opponents Ebusakami from Vihiga County, thrashing them 41-5 in a girls' Group A tie.

Douglas Wekesa and Joseph Wafula were Kimilili's top scorers with six goals each, as the eight-time national champions sent out a clear message to their rivals.

Mildred Nyongesa was MGK's top scorer with 11 goals, while Ruth Simiyu netted 10 to lead their side to victory.

In another boys' clash, national champions St Ignatius Mukumu of Kakamega County recorded a convincing 18-11 victory against Vihiga's Mbale High.

Bungoma County's second representatives Toroso trounced Vihiga's Bumira 44-11 in their pool B opener.