Kabras Sugar RFC began their defense of the Kenya Cup title with an impressive 33-6 victory over league newcomers Impala RFC at the Kakamega Showground on Saturday afternoon.
The match, which was interrupted by heavy rain, was called off after 61 minutes, with Kabras being awarded the win as they had played over three-quarters of the match.
The defending champions had a flying start in the encounter with Patrick Lumumba scoring a try just 49 seconds in. Eric Cantona’s successful conversion added two extra points that gave Kabras a 7-0 lead.
Impala responded shortly after with a penalty from Muli Patrick who reduced the deficit to 7-3.
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The visitors briefly looked like they might challenge for the lead, but Kabras quickly regained control when Gabriel Adero crossed the line for another try with Cantona’s conversion pushing the lead to 14-3.
Impala had another penalty that was successfully converted but the hosts extended their lead further when Collins Indeche scored a try, which Cantona converted for a 21-6 advantage.
Just before halftime, Hillary Salano added an unconverted try to get the scores to 26-6 by the halftime break.
The second half began with a dramatic moment when Cantona’s try was ruled out.
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However, Gabriel Adero made sure Kabras extended their lead once again, scoring a try to make it 31-6. Cantona added the conversion before the match was halted due to heavy rain.
With the match played for 61 minutes, Kabras were declared the winners.
Next week, Kabras will face South Coast Pirates, who will still be recovering from a tough 88-5 defeat to KCB at the KCB Sports Club..
KCB showed their dominance early, leading 38-0 at halftime, with tries from Bob Muhati, Jacob Ojee, Andycolle Omolo, Fidel Maina, Felix Ojow, and Eric Miheso.
The second half was no different, as KCB added more tries from Miheso, Davies Chenge, Austin Sikutwa, Lionel Ajeliti, and Brian Wahinya.
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Ajeliti also added a try and conversion, while Emmanuel Opondo and Wilfred Waswa scored additional tries.
Isaac Njoroge and Lionel Ajeliti made the conversions for the bankers.
The Pirates managed just one try through Collins Kabayo but the game was a lopsided affair from start to finish.
At RFUEA Grounds, Kenya Harlequins, coached by Paul Murunga, also enjoyed a dominant 55-22 win over Mwamba RFC as Gibsob Weru’s Menengai Oilers thrashed Kisumu 78-13.
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Kenya Cup Week One Results
Kabras Sugar 33* – 06 Impala RFC
KCB Rugby 88* – 05 South Coast Pirates
Menengai Oilers 76* – 13 Kisumu RFC
Nondescript 22 – 16* Strathmore Leos
Kenya Harlequin 55* – 22 Mwamba RFC
KU Blak Blad 27* – 05 Nakuru RFC
