After five thrilling days of school rugby action in Mombasa, Vihiga High School emerged as the new KSSSA National 15s Champions, edging Kisii School 14-6 in a tense final played at Shimo La Tewa.
The tightly contested final saw Vihiga take an early 3-0 lead through a penalty, but Kisii School responded with a well-taken drop goal to level the scores at 3-3.
Vihiga High trail
Kisii then added a penalty to go into the break with a 6-3 advantage, raising hopes of securing their maiden national title.
However, Vihiga regrouped in the second half, keeping Kisii scoreless while adding two penalties to reclaim the lead at 9-6.
They then sealed the victory with a late try, taking their total to 14 points and clinching the coveted national crown.
To reach the final, Vihiga had narrowly defeated Upper Hill School 10-8 in a tightly fought semifinal, while Kisii stunned defending champions All Saints Embu 12-3 in the other semifinal clash.
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In the third-place playoff, All Saints Embu bounced back from their semifinal disappointment with a dominant 19-5 win over Upper Hill to secure the bronze medal. Upper Hill, despite a spirited campaign, settled for fourth place.
Attention now turns to the East Africa Games, set to be hosted in Rift Valley, Kenya. Vihiga High School and Kisii School have booked their slots at the regional tournament, with All Saints Embu also expected to feature.
KSSSA National 15s results
Day One scores
Serani 5 – 6 Upper Hill School
All Saints Embu 11 – 7 Mang’u School
Vihiga High School 33 – 6 Marafa
Kisii School 15 – 3 Bwake Boys
Day Two scores
All Saints Embu 9 – 3 Upper Hill
Serani 7 – 15 Mang’u School
Kisii School 20 – 5 Marafa
Vihiga High School 5 – 3 Bwake Boys
Day Three scores
All Saints Embu 3 – 0 Serani
Vihiga High School 11- 9 Kisii School
Upper Hill 28 – 5 Mang’u School
Bwake Boys 13 – 9 Marafa
Day Four Semifinals
Vihiga High School 10 – 8 Upper Hill School
Kisii School 12 – 3 All Saints Embu
Day Five Finals
Playoffs
All Saints Embu 19 – 5 Upper Hill School
Finals
Vihiga Highschool 12 – 6 Kisii School
