East Africa hockey champions St Joseph’s Girls High School Kitale, Friends School Tigoi and Ng’iya Girls on Monday won their respective matches, gradually turning the battle for the title into a Kenyan affair.

St Joseph’s, christened JOGA who are keen to firm grip on their regional gong, triumphed 3-0 over their Mwiki Secondary School compatriots to enhance their chances of successfully defending their trophy.

Joy Vallery was on fire bagging a hattrick for her side as they totally subdued their opponents who were looking to avoid a second defeat.

Mwiki had narrowly lost to former champions Kakungulu Memorial from Uganda on Sunday. Vallery was on target in the sixth, 46th and 59th minutes.

National champions Tigoi thrashed St Mary’s Namagunga 13-0 to inch closer to bagging their maiden East Africa trophy.

Rookies Ng’iya increased their chances of a podium finish after edging out 2022 winners Kakungulu to make it two wins out of four.

Even though they have dropped four points in draws against JOGA and Tigoi, Ng’iya captain Faith Otieno remained optimistic saying that they are focused on winning their remaining three matches.

“We have improved because we lost to JOGA and Tigoi at the nationals. We managed to secure a point from each one of them here, which has boosted our confidence and we are ready to give our best in our remaining matches,” Otieno said.

In the boys’ title chase, former champions St Anthony’s Kitale continued with their good run, dismissing Ntare School from Uganda 2-0 to remain in the race for the title.

Holders Musingu, who have already lost two of their seven round-robin matches, registered their second win after hammering Uganda’s Mbarara School 4-1.

St Charles Lwanga, who alongside St Anthony’s and 2023 winners Kakungulu Memorial are the only unbeaten sides, were held to a 1-1 draw by Mpesa Foundation Academy.

The boys’ battle is a three-horse race pitting St Anthony’s, St Charles and Kakungulu. The three sides have 10 points each from three wins and one draw.