Reigning Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) rugby 7s champions Laiser Hill were crowned the champions of Rift Valley Secondary Schools Sports Association (RVSSSA) played at Sing’ore girls ground.
The two time national champions came from two tries down to defeat Menegai Boys 19-17 to retain their RVSSSA title, winning the first title at the championships ahead of Friday’s final day.
The kajiado based team made three fast second half tries with two conversions to emerge victorious. Shavin Mbaraki unconverted try by Samuel Mwaura gave Menengai the lead as Griffins Andalia added the second try for Mwaura shooting past the posts for a 12-0 lead into water break.
In resumption, Clinton Kioko scored the first try for Laiser with Javan Madigu failing the conversion before Daniel Ouma’s try was well converted by Daniel Ouma for a 12-12 draw.
Nicolas Katoo’s converted try by Ouma gave Laiser the 19-12 lead but Andalia went past the white wash to reduce the deficit to 15-19 with Mwaura’s conversion to 19-17 win for Laiser.
The win gave the champions will have another opportunity to defend their national title as term one games will be staged in Mombasa.
Lasier head coach Marcus Wambua said his side was in good position after playing the best opponent in the tournament.
“We had a better side against the a better one. We relaxed in the first half and conceded fast tries but we had to learn from the mistakes to ensure that we get the title. Our fast second half tries paid off and we will replicate this at the national level,” said Wambua.
Menengai coach Kennedy Njagi said they had what it takes to win the title but smaller mistakes cost them the title.
“We had what was needed to win the title but smaller mistakes had to cost us but we will recover ourselves and come back in full swing next year,” said Njagi.
At the national level last year, Laiser Hill defeated Chavakali to win the title they had last won in 2016 but failed to make it to the national in 2017, with Muhuri Muchiri winning the national title.
In the semifinals, the champions defeated Baringo 24-07 while Menegai won 14-0 against St. Joseph’s High school Kitale to match into the finals.
On Wednesday won their two opening matches to extend their unbeaten run in the school games right away from the sub county levels.
In their opening match, they defeated Tambach Boys 36-00 before edging out their neighbours Kilgoris 0-41 match into quarters to be played Thursday morning