Defending champions Saniak Boys from Nandi County kicked off their handball defence in dominant fashion, thrashing Kericho Day 31-18 in a Pool 'A' match at Chebisaasa Boys High School in Eldoret City on the first day of the Rift Valley Region Secondary Schools Sports Association Term One Games.
The emphatic victory reignited Saniak’s hopes of not only retaining their regional title, but also securing a place in the national finals.
Team captain Humphrey Kibet, who also serves as the goalkeeper, expressed confidence in their title defence.
"We are here to win, and we are confident of retaining our title. Kamito will be our toughest challenger, but we are ready for them," said Kibet.
In the girls' handball category, former holders St Joseph's Girls from Trans Nzoia County delivered a statement performance, crushing Anin from Elgeyo Marakwet County 54-13 in a Pool 'B' match.
"We are aiming to win. In our next matches, we will improve our speed," said Nalia.
Team manager Edwin Adamba recalled their narrow defeat in last year’s final but remains optimistic about this year’s campaign.
"We lost the title last year to Murindiko by just one score. This time, we have corrected our mistakes, and our target is to win all our matches," said Adamba.
"Nasokol is the only real challenger, but we are ready for them," he added.
In other handball results: Boys' Pool C: Kabartonjo from Baringo edged out Siwot from Bomet 26-20.
In hockey, boys' champions St Anthony's Boys from Trans Nzoia showcased their dominance, dismantling Kituro High from Baringo County 10-1 in their opening match.
Meanwhile, in rugby, Kabianga Boys from Kericho delivered a commanding performance, blanking Kapsabet Boys from Nandi 26-0 in their opening fixture. The rugby matches were held at the University of Eldoret.
In Nairobi Region, rugby15s champions Lenana School will face last year's losing finalists Nairobi School in Thursday's semi-finals, while Upper Hill School battle Dagoretti High School in the other last four clash.
Lenana saw off Jamhuri High School in their quarter-final match on Wednesday at the Ofafa Jericho High School. Nairobi School, fondly referred to as 'Patch', beat Strathmore School 43-0 in a one-sided affair. Dagoretti saw off hosts Ofafa 19-7, while Upper Hill thrashed Aquinas 62-0.
Action in Coast Region begins on Thursday in different venues in Mombasa with girls' basketball champions Kaya Tiwi Secondary from Kwale County drawn in Pool 'B'.
Kaya Tiwi will face competition from Mombasa County champions Aga Khan Academy (AKAM) and Mwasere Girls from Taita Taveta in their pool. Pool 'A' consists of Tumaini Secondary from Kwale, St John’s Girls Kaloleni from Kilifi, and Witu Secondary from Lamu.
In the boys' basketball category, title holders Dr Aggrey High are placed in Pool A alongside Lamu Boys Secondary and Shimo la Tewa High from Mombasa. Pool B includes Timbila High from Taita Taveta, Kaya Tiwi from Kwale, Chanagande Secondary from Kilifi, and AKAM from Mombasa.
Coast Secondary Schools Sports Association (CSSSA) Secretary Udzile Macdonald confirmed that all preparations have been completed.
“We’re all set for the start of the games tomorrow as we’ve finalised arrangements,” said Macdonald while briefing games officials at Mama Ngina Girls High.
The basketball matches will be hosted at the Aga Khan Academy (AKAM) grounds. The boys’ competition will tip off at 9 am. with Dr Aggrey High taking on Lamu Boys. This will be followed by a clash between Timbila High and Chanagande Secondary before AKAM squares off against Kaya Tiwi.
In the girls’ category, the opening match will feature AKAM against Mwasere Girls, followed by Tumaini versus St John’s Girls Kaloleni. Kaya Tiwi will then play their first match against Mwasere at 5 pm, while Tumaini faces Witu Secondary at 7 pm.
Defending boys’ handball champions Mwangea Secondary from Taita Taveta will open their campaign against Shimba Hills Secondary from Kwale at 10 a.m. The girls’ handball category will also begin at 10 am., with title holders Moi Forces Girls taking on Mwatate Secondary.
In hockey, defending boys’ champions St Charles Lwanga Secondary will start their title defense against Mnyenzeni Secondary, while the girls’ champions, St Charles Lwanga, will begin their campaign against Matuga Girls.
Reigning and former champions made strong opening statements on day one of the Nyanza Regional Term One Secondary School Games at St Joseph’s Rapogi Boys in Migori County.
Agoro Sare High School (Homa Bay), Maseno School (Kisumu), Nyakach Girls (Kisumu), St Joseph Tuk Jowi Girls Secondary School (Migori), Kudho Secondary School (Kisumu), Manyatta Boys High School (Migori), and Ng’iya Girls High School (Siaya) all secured impressive victories, underlining their title ambitions.
Agoro Sare showcased their resilience in basketball, defeating Migori Boys 82-60 in a Pool A opener. Maseno School, fresh from overcoming multiple-time champions Onjiko High School in the Kisumu County finals, also started strong with a 47-39 victory over hosts St Joseph’s Rapogi Boys.
In the girls' category, Nyakach Girls delivered a commanding performance, thrashing Kadika Girls High School (Migori) 77-28. Tuk Jowi High School (Migori) also made a statement, overpowering Kereri Girls High School (Kisii) 46-18.
Siaya champions Ng’iya Girls began their girls' hockey campaign in style, securing a 4-0 win over Huma Secondary School from Kisumu.
In boys' handball, defending champions Manyatta High School overcame a tough challenge from St Mary’s Yala High School, narrowly winning 25-23. Coach Andrew Owino praised his players for their determination and expressed confidence in their title defense.
“We knew from the word go that it was not going to be easy. Nevertheless, I am happy we have won our opening match, and this will set the tempo for us to do better in our upcoming encounters,” said Owino.
However, logistical challenges marred the opening day, as schools from Nyamira County failed to arrive due to a lack of facilitation from the Ministry of Education. As a result, all Day One fixtures involving Nyamira schools were postponed.
