St Mary’s School Yala retained their Nyanza Region Secondary School rugby sevens title after coming from 10-0 down to thrash Anjego 26-15 in an entertaining final played at Kisumu Polytechnic on Friday.

Henry Oduor scored a brace, while Innocent Indeche and Ayub Sisia sealed the win for Yala to qualify for the nationals.

Yala made the finals after edging out Kisumu County champions Otieno Oyoo High School 7-5 in a tight semi-final.

Timothy Wasonga intercepted a pass to score and convert, giving Yala a 7-0 lead before Joseph Ominde bagged Otieno Oyoo’s unconverted try.

On the other hand, Migori champions Anjego hammered Agoro Sare 19-0 to book the final. Both finalists have qualified for the nationals set for Kakamega next month.

Steve Owino grounded a brace for the Migori outfit before Eugene Okoth sealed the win with tries that were converted by Christopher Munyoki.

Speaking after the win, Yala rugby coach George Kerima said he is impressed with the boys’ performance, and he is happy their goal of returning to the East Africa finals remains alive.

“We faced fairly tough teams in Kisumu, especially the semi-final matchup against Otieno Oyoo, where our weaknesses were tested. We, however, adapted and showed strength and experience to go all the way. Focus now shifts to the nationals,” said Kerima.

Otieno Oyoo, meanwhile, won bronze after finishing third with their 21-7 win over Agoro Sare in the third-place playoff.

In the girls’ rugby 7s, Nyagichenche and Sigoti Complex will represent Nyanza at the nationals.

Sigoti thrashed Nyagichenche 19-7 to be crowned the new champions of Nyanza after defending champions Nyakach Girls were knocked out in the quarterfinals.

In the semi-finals, Nyagichenche narrowly beat Sidindi 12-10, while Sigoti Complex overcame Moi Suba 10-5.

Moi Suba finished third after edging out Sidindi Secondary School from Siaya 10-0 in the third-place playoffs.