KSSSA: Purring Senende Boys raring to go ahead of Western region games

Senende Boys High School Rugby team coach Peter Simwa says discipline and determination are behind the Hamisi-based side’s qualification for the Western Region Secondary Schools sports association last weekend.

Senende Boys almost advanced to the regional stage stage as champions only for defending champions only for Vihiga Boys to down Senende 17-0 in the finals played at Nyang’ori Boys’ grounds.

However, Simwa is elated after the team reached the stage for the first time since the inception of the school.

“In such competitive games, hard work, determination and cohesion can only bring forth victory.

“We put our best foot forward in these competitions and emerged first runners up,” Simwa said, attributing this year’s success to the support they received from the school’s administration.

“Our principal Dr Tom Shavisa came in handy to encourage us given that there are many challenges in establishing a competitive school rugby team since some parents restrain their children from joining the sport for fear of terminal injuries that might disrupt students education,” Simwa stated.

Mr Simwa feels the tough competition at the County stage have given the Sharks a feel of the expected opposition moving forward hence the need to employ creative ways of addressing impending challenges for the western region rugby 15s debutantes to impress their fans.

“Apart from some parents warning their children against participating in rugby because of injuries, insufficient training kits and lack of sponsorship are the main obstacles we need to address but I know my team will also bring home good results,” he said.

Before falling to Vihiga Boys 17-0, Senende had a smooth run in the county competitions. Pounding Ekwanda 59-0, Senende alias the Sharks would maul Esalwa 43-5 before Chavakali and Kegoye suffered 8-5 and 5-3 defeat respectively.

In the semis Gamalenga's spirited fight couldn’t make a difference after Senende managed to beat them 17-10 to proceed to the County finals.

At the same time, Vincent Wetindi, Esalwa rugby coach, wished well for Vihiga Boys and Senende who will be flying the Vihiga County flag after his team failed to perform well in this year’s games.

“For us, we are going to go back to the drawing board and begin preparing the Rugby Sevens team for the second term games after failing to meet our expectations.

“Vihiga Boys fiercely defended their title and I wish them well together with Senende,”He said.