Bush backs Kinale to bounce back after FEASSSA blip

Kinale, who came into the tournament as Kenya’s KSSSA champions after beating defending champions St. Joseph Kitale 'joga' 19-05 in the national finals, were edged 10-05 by Uganda’s Jinja SS in the deciding round-robin match on Tuesday evening.

The result saw Jinja crowned the new FEASSSA champions, while last year’s winners, St. Joseph Kitale failed to defend their crown.

Speaking after the final whistle, Coach Allan Bush praised his charges for their spirited fight but admitted that inexperience at the regional stage proved costly.

“We gave our best, but sometimes finals are decided by very small margins. Jinja were clinical in the moments that mattered, but I am proud of how the girls fought,” said Bush.

“This is a young squad and the experience here will only make them stronger. We are already champions of Kenya, and I believe this team will bounce back even better in the coming season.”

The clash was tense and closely contested, with both sides exchanging hard tackles and attacking phases. Jinja’s tactical discipline eventually saw them hold off Kinale to lift their maiden regional crown.

Meanwhile, the day’s action also saw several Kenyan schools dominate in both the boys’ and girls’ categories.

Bungoma High thrashed Uganda’s Makerere College 47-0, Koyonzo overpowered London College Maya 45-10, while St. Peter’s Mumias ran riot with a 31-0 win against St. Mary’s Kisubi.

With the curtains falling on this year’s FEASSSA rugby 7s, attention now shifts to the 15s finals in Thursday at the same venue, where Kisii School will lock horns with All Saints Embu.