Kinale Girls crowned new national 7s champions in historic run

The Central region giants, under the guidance of head coach Allan Bush, defeated defending champions St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale 19-5 in a hard-fought final to complete an unbeaten run and lift the coveted crown.

“We came here with one goal: to prove we belong at the top. These girls have worked tirelessly, sacrificed a lot, and today they’ve reaped the reward. This win is for every little-known school that dares to dream big,” said coach Bush after the final whistle. 

Kinale were in a league of their own throughout the tournament, racking up a record 239 points across six matches and conceding just 10 points. 

Their road to the title included a 47-0 victory over Igoji, a 52-0 win over Kimobo, and a 57-0 win over Shimba Hills in the group stages before easing past Eregi 38-00 and 28-5 against St Theresa in the semi-final.

In the final, St Joseph's took an early lead with an unconverted try, Kinale responded through Elizabeth Nafula, and Diana Wanjiku converted for a 7-5 lead at the break. 

Hellen Wanjiku and Elizabeth scored in the second half to seal Kinale's victory at 19-05.

“We knew St. Joseph’s were experienced, but we believed in our system and stuck to the plan. This is just the beginning,” added Bush.

With the win, Kinale, alongside St. Joseph’s Kitale, Paul Harris, and St. Theresa, have booked their tickets to represent Kenya at the upcoming East Africa Secondary School Games, which begin on August 13 in Kakamega.

In the boys’ category, St. Peter’s Mumias edged Koyonzo High School 14-12 in a pulsating final to claim the title on home soil.