Battle for the soul of Western School Games rugby

Kakamega relinquished their county title to Koyonzo (33-9) who clinched their maiden rugby 15s crown in last month’s final with the triumph coming less than five months after they dislodged the former in the sevens version at the county level, going all the way to win the national title for the first time.

Last year’s national rugby 7s finalists Butula Boys are also out to spoil the party for Kakamega after ruling in Busia County final, and will also be eyeing the single Western region ticket for the nationals set for April 24-30 at Hills School in Eldoret.

Kakamega will launch their title defence on Thursday against Komobo in Pool A before confronting Vihiga Boys and Butula Boys in the other preliminary fixtures.Koyonzo are drawn in Pool B alongside Chavakali Boys, Bungoma Boys and Kolanya Boys.

Kakamega head coach Amos Wamanga has warned his opponents not to underrate them despite their recent dip in form and that they are in Busia to defend their title.

“Our target is to qualify for the nationals and it's only one team which will proceed from our region, so there is work which has to be done. We lost in the county final but we will turn the tables. The regional stage is totally different.

“We went back to the drawing board and we are ready to show our worth. We’ve done this before and it’s doable this year,” said Wamanga.

Wamanga however blamed the prolonged Covid-19 school sport calendar disruptions for their sluggish return with the inter-school competitions coming back to life again last year following a two-year forced stop.

“We were thrown off balance due to the ban on the school games. We lost the momentum and that’s why teams which have traditionally not given us challenges are now emerging as a threat to us. We tell them that we might be down but not out. The work has started and soon we will rule again in both rugby versions.”

On his side, Butula head coach Shimenga Livondo has shot down Kakamega’s plans stressing that his boys are thirsty for not only the Western regional crown but also the national and East Africa gongs.

"We have Vihiga and Kakamega who are playing very well but our target is to win the trophy all the way to the nationals and East Africa. The underdog tag might work in our favour,” a confident Shimenga roared.

The last time the Western region 15s were played before Covid-19 struck, Kakamega High emerged winners after hammering Koyonzo 17-3 in the final staged at Vihiga High.

Friday Fixtures- Rugby 15s
830AM-Butula vs Kakamega High 930am-Vihiga High vs Kimobo 1030am-Kolanya vs Koyonzo High 1130am-Chavakali vs Bungoma