Kenya: Upper Hill Book Date With Aquinas in Nairobi Final

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

William Njuguna and Dun Okinyo

15 March 2011

Upper Hill will face former national schools basketball champions Aquinas in the Nairobi Secondary Schools finals this weekend. Upper Hill considered by many as the frontrunners for the event easily beat Starehe 46-28 in a low scoring semi-final match while Aquinas had to overcome stiff resistance from Malezi before grinding out a 48-42 victory.

Upper Hill overcame a slow start to march into the finals for the first time in over two decades against Starehe. Starehe began the match strongly, taking an early 8-4 lead but Upper Hill stormed back and took control of the match. Upper Hill skipper George Odhiambo and Samuel Dede spearheaded the attack and led 16-8 at the end of the quarter.

Upper Hill continued with the onslaught as Martin Mugambi took over-scoring seven consecutive points to take the scores to 31-16 at the interval. On resumption, Starehe cut the deficit to 11 points after consecutive baskets by Stanley Ochieng. However, Upper Hill stepped up a gear to finish the quarter strongly with a 40-23 lead. The winners then brought in their reserve players for the remainder of the half to finish the game and send Upper Hill to the finals.

Upper Hill coach George Mayienga was reasonably pleased by the sides performance during the semi-finals but has predicted a tough match against the former champions Aquinas. ” Aquinas are a very good side and very experience. They have bounced back this year so we are expecting a tough match against them,” said Mayienga.

Aquinas had to show determination to beat the fast improving Malezi. Aquinas began the match strongly but Malezi never gave up and tied the match at 9-9 in the closing minutes of the opening quarter.

Aquinas led 28-25 at the interval as Malezi began the second half stronger, taking the 32-30 lead. But Aquinas came roaring back to win the match in a frenetic fourth quarter to romp into the final. The girls’ final will pit Buruburu against Langata . The finals will be played at Nairobi school this weekend.

Meanwhile, former national hockey champions Pangani Girls and Hillcrest Secondary booked a date in the final of the Nairobi Provincial Championships after trouncing their respective opponents. The two teams which have been dominant in Nairobi were, however, forced to fight to the bitter end before registering their wins. Pangani beat Mount Laverna 3-2 in the first semi-final before Hillcrest overcame stubborn Parklands Arya by the same margin at Moi Forces grounds.

Pangani opened the scoring in the highly entertaining match through Tanya Buyu before Winnie Bahati leveled the scores with a brilliant finish in a run of play.

The goal might have provoked Pangani as they raided Mt.Laverna for the remaining part of the first half, resulting into two goals from Sanya Ali and Tabitha Wanjiku. Mt. Laverna’s second half efforts could only bore a goal through Charity Kirui.

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