Schools that have dominated national and regional arenas kicked off day one of Rift Valley Secondary Schools Games in Eldoret yesterday, with strong talking points.

Ball games giants produced stellar performances in their opening matches, beating rivals in the group stages.

St Joseph’s Girls Kitale kicked off on high note, firing a strong warning in both hockey and handball.

In hockey, the East African champions thrashed Ndururumo from Laikipia 13-0 in a match played at the University of Eldoret grounds.

“We are the defending champions and we are not under any pressure because we prepared well. We have won 13-0 and that’s the margin we want to sustain in these games,” St Joseph’s Girls hockey coach John Lusaka said.

Hosts Chebisaas Boys as well as Kiriba from Bomet recorded draws in their opening contests with Ndururumo (Laikipia) and Nakeel representing Laikipia.

Chebisaas drew 0-0 with Ndururumo while Nakeel shared 1-1 with Kiriba.

Rift Valley handball defending champions Saniak of Nandi stamped their authority by trouncing Kericho Day in the opening Pool A match played at Chebisaas High School.

Saniak won 30-16 while Baringo’s Kabartonjo handed Siwot from Bomet a 26-20 loss.

Nasokol Girls, representing West Pokot proved strong for Kipterere from Baringo, winning the handball contest 21-13 as AIC Moi Girls Samburu taught Rongena from Narok crucial handball lessons, beating them 29-22.

Saniak captain Humphrey Kibet said the match against Kericho Day was like a friendly match and that they were looking forward to a clash with Kamito (West Pokot), which is in Pool D at the closing stages of the Rift Valley Region Secondary schools Sports Association term one games.

“It was a good match and we are looking to top our group and sail to the quarter-finals and eventually progress to the nationals in Mombasa,” Kibet said.

Their school coach Elias Sirma described his side as a strong team and exuded confidence of retaining the trophy. St Joseph’s Girls also displayed pure class in the handball, trouncing Anin Girls from Elgeyo Marakwet 54-13.

Their captain Tebby Nalia said their side was firmly focused on winning the final.