Kinale, Vihiga off to flying start as FEASSSA rugby kicks off in Kakamega

Newly crowned KSSSA girls’ rugby champions Kinale Secondary School made a perfect start to their East African campaign, joining a dominant Kenyan contingent on the opening day of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) rugby championships in Kakamega.

In the boys’ 15s category, Vihiga High edged out Uganda’s Namilyango College 20-15 in a tense curtain-raiser that kept fans on their feet. Kisii School followed with an emphatic 34-12 win over Kings College, while Upper Hill sealed a clean sweep for Kenya, holding off a spirited Jinja SS 26-19.

The girls’ 7s action saw Kinale Girls announce their arrival in style, dismantling St Theresa’s 43-07 in a one-sided display of speed and precision.

Uganda’s Jinja SS stunned hosts St Joseph’s Girls with a narrow 7-0 win, while Paul Harris Girls edged Nkoma 15-12 in a thrilling finish. Defending champions St Joseph Girls suffered a setback, going down 7-0 to Jinja Secondary.

In the boys’ 7s, former champions Koyonzo Secondary ran riot with a ruthless 52-0 demolition of Uganda’s Makerere College.

Friends Bwake Boys matched that intensity, cruising past St Mary’s 49-0. Kenyan 7s champions St. Peters Mumias capped the day with a gritty 19-14 win over Bwake. Playing with just five men after two yellow cards, St. Peters held firm and punished their opponents’ missed chances.

The early results reinforced Kenya’s firm grip on regional schools rugby, but with several days of action remaining, Uganda’s sides will be determined to fight back and turn the tide.

The tournament continues on Monday, with the official opening ceremony set for tomorrow