Tug of war in Machakos between Narok and Laikipia county. ( Photo/ Dennis/hivisasa.com).
Africa tug-of-war bronze medalist Laikipia County got off to a flying when they pulled Narok 2-0 in the opening match of the Kenya Inter-Counties Sports and Cultural Association Games at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos yesterday.
Watched by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, Narok gave the reigning champions a scare in the first round holdingthem for over five minutes before they cracked to lose the round.
Fielding the continent beaters who included John Theuri,Gathitu Karanja, John Kanyora, Ephantus Kaloba, Mwangi James, James Gichuki and Eliud Waititu, Laikipia won the second round with ease.
John Thuo said the game was neither easy nor difficult. " My team lost the continental crown to South Africa last year because those countries give a lot of emphasis on tug of war. He promised to put more practice t to clinch the crown next year," he said.
In the women's category, defending champions Nairobibeat Busia 2-0 to make a flying start at the fifth edition of the games. Sonko gave the team Sh100,000 as a motivation for winning.
In other men's tug of war matches played at TownshipPrimary School, Kisii beat Mombasa 2-0 while Nairobi beat Uasin Gishu by the same margin.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya announcedKakamega will host the sixth edition of the Cup next year even after the County failed to send the KICOSCA team to this year's edition of the games.
KICOSCA chairman Samson Changkwony said Kenya will send a combined KICOSCA and CASA teams to EALASCA games in Kampala between December 10-16.
Council of Governors chairman for sports Paul Chepkwony said CoG will support the Kenyan team to the East African games.
Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu handed over the games chain to Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua until next year's edition of the games.