Kisii School to fly Nyanza flag in rugby 15's at nationals after Maseno appeal is dismissed

Kisii School will represent Nyanza in rugby 15’s at the national secondary schools' Term One Games in Eldoret after an appeal by Maseno School was dismissed.

Maseno abandoned the game, citing a hostile environment after a long stoppage due to an alleged wrong call from the referee during the final held at Kisii School on Saturday afternoon.

Later, Maseno moved to the jury to appeal demanding a replay at a neutral venue.

But according to Nyanza Region Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Nyanza region secretary Thomas Odhiambo,  the appeal was dismissed on Saturday evening.

“The jury found the appeal unmerited and dismissed the same. Maseno would have raised their issues before the game,” added Odhiambo.

They are free to re-appeal against the jury’s decision at the office of the regional director of education in Kisumu," added Odhiambo.

By the time of abandoning the game, Kisii were leading 10-8 in the closely contested final. It was Kisii School's inaugural 15’s title, ending Maseno School and St Mary’s School Yala’s dominance.

Kisii School coach Lee Aston said: “It was a tough tournament. Beating Yala in the semis and Maseno in the final was not a mean feat. Our disciplined defence won us the tournament. I’m proud of the boys and we are now looking forward to the nationals,” said Aston.

Kisii beat Yala 9-6 in the first semi-final while Maseno overcame Nyabondo 3-0 in another semi..

Speaking to the Star on Sunday, Aston added: “At the nationals, the boys are ready to take on any team. We have beaten the Nyanza giants and we are not afraid of any team. Our target is to reach the finals.”

Maseno School coach Steve Oluoch wished Kisii School the best at the nationals. He noted that rugby has greatly developed in Nyanza.

“Coaches have upped their game, the players are doing their best but unfortunately, referees are doing nothing to develop the game. There is always room for improvement,” said Oluoch.

Butula Boys will represent the Western region at the nationals. Butula beat Vihiga High School 12-7 at St Mathias Busia to lift the title. Koyonzo High was kicked out of the tournament and banned for two years for fielding an ineligible player.

In Rift Valley, St Patrick’s School, Iten, and St Antony’s Kitale will carry the region’s flag. St Patrick’s beat St Antony 10-8 at Hill School in Eldoret. Hosts Rift Valley will have two teams at the national showpiece.

Ofafa Jericho beat Upper Hill 17-0 to win the Nairobi region title while Kwale High School narrowly edged Kaya Tiwi 13-11 to lift the title.

All Saints thrashed Mathieni 47-0 to lift the eastern region title as Mangu School beat Alliance High 10-0 to win the Central region title.

The nationals will be held at Hill School and Moi Girls in Eldoret from  April 22-30.