Butere book Olympic as giants set-up 'exciting' semi-finals in Mombasa

A mouthwatering clash looms between former champions Laiser Hill of Rift Valley and Dagoretti High School in the basketball boys’ semi-final as the two sides renew their unending rivalry in the sport.

The showdown is a repeat of last year’s pulsating group stage match which Laiser Hill won 61-35 to reach semi-final in Machakos although they were eventually denied a record-extending tenth title by Dr Aggrey in the final.

The two teams also met in the 2023 final in Eldoret where the Kajiado based team prevailed 45-43 for a ninth national title, but Dagoretti will be keen to finally get one up on their nemesis who also triumphed against them in the 2019 final that was coincidentally held in Mombasa.

The other semi-final match will see holders Dr. Aggrey of Coast, who bounced back after sluggish start, face determined Eastern region representatives Lukenya from Machakos.

The champions suffered a 95-71 defeat to Dagoretti in the opening match but got back on track against Kamusinga (75-71) and Pioneer (66-54) to sail through to the semis as they seek a second successive national title this year.

In the girls’ contest, holders Butere Girls hammered Asumbi Girls of Nyanza 63-36 to finish top of Group B, booking Nairobi champions Olympic in the semi-finals while former champions and home side Kaya Tiwi face Rift Valley’s St. Joseph’s Kitale in the other semi-final.

Kaya Tiwi topped Group A after defeating Olympic 86-50, a repeat of the 2022 final that saw the Coastal region giants win 60-54 to lift their last national gong.

The rugby 15s semi-finals, will see champions All Saints of Eastern region confront Nyanza champions Kisii School while Vihiga High School take on former champions Upper Hill of Nairobi.

All Saints maintained their perfect start to their title defence edging out Central’s Mang’u High School 11-7 in the last preliminary match while Upper Hill narrowly defeated home side Serani 6-5 to sail through.

In the girls' handball category, defending champions Moi Girls Kamusinga will be up against Kadika of Nyanza in the semis while former holders St Joseph's Girls from Trans Nzoia County have a date with Dagoretti Mixed.

The boys’ contest will see champions Kimilili play Nairobi’s Highway in the semis with Rift Valley’s Kamito fighting for a final slot against Manyatta of Nyanza.

Athletics lit up the Day Three of the action with thrilling performances as Rift Valley and Central Region reigned supreme in the 1500m races.

In the boys’ 1500m, 17-year-old Ibrahim Kipruto from Irigithathi School (Central region) stole the show, surging ahead with a blistering time of 3 minutes 45.4 seconds.

Right on his heels was Rift Valley’s Wilson Chepkwech, who clocked 3:46.1, while Ezekiel Kipkorir, also from Rift Valley rounded up the podium.

An emotional Kipruto told reporters: “It was a dream come true to represent Kenya in East Africa. I was just trying… I was afraid. I started training back in Class 8, but now it has paid off.”

The girls' 1500m race was equally electric as Faith Chebet of Tiloa School (Rift Valley) powered to victory in 4 minutes 16.6 seconds narrowly edging out Doricah Isoe, who clocked 4:17.7.

Mercy Chepngeno from Leserwo completed the podium with 4 minutes 28.7 seconds.

Chebet, with eyes already set on the next level, said, “Last year my journey ended at the regionals. I didn’t make it to Nationals. But I thank God for this win. I’ll keep training hard to be even fitter for the East Africa Games.”

In the gruelling men’s 10,000m walk final, Vincent Lang’at (Rift Valley) came out on top, clocking 51:26.2. Rachael Jidwa from Kajembe High followed with 52:32.0, and Rodgers Nyawa (Coast) clinched third with 53:01.7.