Kenya Cup 2023/24 finalists KCB RFC continued with their impressive form in Week 3, securing a dominant 43-8 victory over Strathmore Leos on Saturday at the KCB Sports Club.
The win saw Oliver Mangemi lead his side to victory in the Jerry Olola Cup, contested between the two teams in honor of Jerry Olola, who had played for both clubs before his passing in June 2022.
KCB established an early lead through a try by Kenya’s U20 Andy Cole Omolo, and their captain of the day added another to extend the lead to 5-0 before Lionel Ajeliti converted to make it 7-0.
Omolo’s second try increased the advantage to 12-0, though Lionel’s conversion attempt went wide.
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Strathmore responded with a penalty, narrowing the gap to 3 points. However, KCB forward Wilhite Mususi extended the lead with a try, successfully converted. Just before halftime, Austin Sikutwa’s try helped KCB build a commanding 24-3 lead at the break, though his conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
In the second half, KCB continued to dominate with tries from Winfred Waswa, Sikutwa, and Manaseh Oduor. Isaac Njoroge converted two of these attempts to increase their lead.
Strathmore managed a try of their own, but it was unconverted, leaving them with little chance to close the gap. The final score was 43-8.
In another match, Kenya Harlequins ended Blak Blad’s unbeaten run with a hard-fought 28-23 victory in a dramatic contest at Impala Pavilion.
Charlton Mokua scored the first try for Quins, with Evin Asena adding the conversion to give them an early lead. Blak Blad responded minutes later with a try from Archadius Khwesa, narrowing the deficit to 7-5, and Kelvin Gathu’s successful conversion leveled the score.
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Blak Blad’s discipline faltered as they conceded three quick penalties, all of which Asena converted to extend the Quins’ lead to 16-7.
Paul Murunga’s side continued to press, with Leon Nyang scoring a brilliant try in the corner, although Asena’s conversion attempt went wide. Just before halftime, Enock Oduor’s penalty helped Blak Blad close the gap to 21-10.
In the second half, Blak Blad came out strong, with Derrick Wechuli scoring a quick try, converted by Enock Oduor, bringing the score to 21-17.
Blak Blad’s penalty advantage was converted by Daniel Oyoo, reducing the margin to just one point. However, Paul Kioko’s successful conversion gave Quins some breathing room, and despite Daniel Oyoo’s later penalty, Kenya Harlequins held on to claim the victory.
Elsewhere, defending champions Kabras Sugar finished the year in style, overwhelming Kisumu RFC with a commanding 137-7 victory at the Kakamega Showground.
This victory cemented their position at the standings with 14 points, just behind KCB, who also share the same points. Kisumu RFC, still without a win this season, remain at the bottom of the table in 12th place.
Menengai Oilers sit in third place, while Kenya Harlequins are in fourth with 13 points. Nondescripts round out the top five with 12 points.
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Meanwhile, Blak Blad dropped to sixth with 10 points, while Impala RFC and Strathmore Leos occupy seventh and eighth places with four and one point(s) respectively.
Match Week three Kenya Cup results
Kabras Sugar RFC 137- Kisumu RFC 7
Menengai Oilers 94- Mwamba RFC 9
KCB RFC 43- Strathmore Leos 8
Nondescripts 24- Nakuru RFC 8
Kenya Harlequins 28-Blak Blad 23
Impala RFC 30-South Coast Pirates 22
