All Saints, Kaya Tiwi storm into semis as title defense heats up

Rugby defending champions All Saints stamped their authority as title favourites after powering into the semi-finals of the National Term One Secondary School Games on Day Two of action-packed competition in Mombasa.

The showdown unfolded in Shanzu Teachers College and Shimo La Tewa High School.

All Saints edged Nairobi’s Upper Hill School 9-3 in a tense quarter-final clash, with all their points coming from three expertly taken penalty kicks in the first half. Upper Hill managed to convert a late penalty, but it was not enough to halt the champions' march.

“We are ready for anything; every team is focused on beating us but we are prepared. We have our eyes on the trophy,” declared All Saints head coach Benson Mwenda.

In another thriller, Vihiga School narrowly beat Bwake 5-3 to secure their spot in the final four. Captain Felix Abuok issued a bold warning: “We are ready for any opponent in our path to the championship and I know my teammates will put a good show in the semis and finally have our hand on the trophy.”  

In girls’ basketball, defending champions Kaya Tiwi sent a loud statement with a staggering 128-8 demolition of Amin Secondary.

The coast-based side extended their winning streak, securing a semi-final slot with one game to spare, and head coach Ali Juma is optimistic about their chances of retaining their title.

“We are focused on the final, though we have one more group-stage match and a semi-final to go, but I’m happy we are though to the East African Games since we will have four teams representing Kenya,” said Juma.

In the boys’ category, Dr. Aggrey kept their hopes of defending their crown alive after edging out Friends School Kamusinga 75-71 in a nail-biting contest. They now face Pioneer School in a decisive final group match.

Meanwhile, Lukenya School stunned Laiser Hill 64-56 in a dramatic upset to punch their ticket to the semis.

“It hasn’t been easy, but we finally got the win against a well financed team with a capability to attract international students.” said Lukenya coach Deng Garang.

Dagoretti High School also surged into the semis, overpowering Pioneer School 102-68 in a high-scoring affair.

In the girls’ hockey, the competition remained fierce as St. Jones and Mpesa Foundation drew 1-1, while Ng’iya and Tigoi finished 2-2. St. Joseph notched a solid 2-0 win over AIC to boost their chances.

In the boys’ category, Musingu thrashed Mnyenzeni 3-0, Mpesa Foundation edged Matiliku 1-0, and St. Anthony rolled past Ringa 3-0. Hospital Hill and St. Charles Lwanga ended in a goalless draw.

Handball defending champions Kimilili booked their semi-final spot with a dominant 37-20 win over Kamito, marking their third straight victory. Jaribuni Boyz beat Makuyu 31-17, Matiliku overwhelmed Sabunley 43-18, while Highway and Manyatta played to a 17-17 stalemate.

The Term One Games continue Thursday with athletics events at Shanzu Teachers College, promising more thrills and unforgettable moments.