Former champs Nyamira Girls left in tears as Ng'iya lift title

Ng’iya Girls High School and St Mary’s Yala stamped their authority in the Siaya County Secondary School Games, clinching multiple titles in hockey, basketball, rugby, and handball to dominate the championship.

Ng’iya Girls stunned perennial hockey champions Nyamira Girls, dethroning the former National and East Africa champions in a dramatic 2-0 victory in the deciding shootout. 

The match had ended 1-1 in regular time, with Virginia Moraa giving Ng’iya the lead in the second quarter before Nyamira equalised in the third quarter.

Goalkeeper Clare Maloba emerged the hero for Ng’iya, making a series of crucial saves to force the game into a shootout.

In the tense decider, Lucy Akoth and Sandra Auma converted their penalties, while Maloba produced three stunning saves to secure the title.

Ng’iya Girls head coach Edwin Ogony expressed his delight at finally toppling their longtime rivals.

“It has been a long time coming. Nyamira has been our toughest opponent, and to finally beat them in such a crucial stage is a huge milestone for us. The girls showed great resilience, and I couldn’t be prouder,” Ogony said.

Ng’iya Girls continued their dominance on the basketball court, defending their title after narrowly edging Barchando Girls 49-46 in a hard-fought final.

In the boys’ category, Sawagongo retained their title with a 51-46 victory over Ambira.

Meanwhile, St Mary’s Yala maintained their supremacy in rugby 15s, thrashing Ambira 46-3 in the final to extend their dominance. 

Yala’s physicality and tactical discipline proved too much for their opponents as they stormed to yet another county title. Yala head coach George Kerima emphasised their ambition was beyond the county stage.

“We are not just here to win the county title. Our focus is on the regional championship, and ultimately, the nationals.

“The boys have worked hard, and we are confident we can go all the way,” Kerima said.

Yala also made their mark in handball, overpowering Dirk Alison 30-21 to claim another title and solidify their status as a force to reckon with in Siaya County.

Nyanza Region chairman Ngala Mbuor praised the schools for maintaining spirit of sportsmanship as they head to Nyanza finals next week.

Over in Kisumu, defending champions Kisumu Day suffered a shock exit in the semi-finals, falling 2-0 to Maseno School. 

The rugby 15s final saw Nyabondo crowned the new champions after a hard-fought 14-12 victory over Otieno Oyoo High School.

In Homa Bay County, Ringa Boys retained hockey titles while newcomers Ojijo Oteko reigned in handball girls. Agoro Sare won rugby and basketball titles.