Maseno School of the Lake region were crowned new rugby sevens champions after winning Term Two “A” National Secondary School Championships at Kisii.
The status quo remained in netball and handball disciplines as respective champions successfully retained their trophies.
In netball, Obambo of the Lake region emerged victorious while Kimilili and Moi Girls Kamusinga, both of Nzoia retained handball boys and girls titles.
In the rugby final, Maseno edged out Laiser Hill Academy 17-12 to claim the title and qualify for the East African Games during the games last Saturday.
Playing before home fans and with burning desire to qualify for East African Games, Maseno took a narrow but encouraging 5-0 lead at half time.
The unconverted try that handed Maseno the lead was scored by Anthony Jeremy who weaved his way through Laiser Hill defenders before crossing the line.
From the breather, Maseno continued from where they had stopped as Jeremy again touched down, followed by successful conversion by Albert Obura as the Kisumu County school took 12-0 lead.
Laiser Hill of Metropolitan responded with a try and conversion through Kevin Masai and Kevin Kamau to narrow the gap to 12-7.
Laiser Hill displayed purposeful game, making forays in Maseno’s area and their efforts finally paid off when John Oliele crossed the line to level matters.
With the match destined for a draw, Brian Juma punched the last breath out of Laiser Hill’s lungs after he landed home in the dying minutes of the duel to give Maseno 17-12 lead and the title.
“Our victory shows that Maseno does not only excel in academics, but also does well in sports, an indication that the two (disciplines) go together,” Maseno School principal Paul Otula told FeverPitch.
Maseno coach Gilbert Onyango expressed satisfaction over the achievement of his team saying they hope to extend the form to East African Games.
“I congratulate the boys for winning the title because they have written history as first team to represent Kenya in rugby sevens at East African Games,” he said.
Rugby sevens has replaced 15s version of the sport at the East African Games.