KCB RFC came from behind to defeat Menengai Oilers 29-27 in a fiercely contested match on Saturday evening at the Ruaraka Sports Club during Week 9 of the 24/25 Kenya Cup.
Both teams entered the match unbeaten in their previous eight games; however, the final moments for the Bankers ensured they extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches as they continue their push towards the semifinals as Oilers suffered their first defeat of the season earning a losing bonus point.
The determined Oilers were the first to register points on the scoreboard, Timothy Omela converting a penalty to give them a 0-3 lead.
Minutes later, the hosts got their first points when Elvis Olukusi crossed the try line with a brilliant effort, but Austin Sikutwa’s conversion attempt went astray giving KCB a narrow 5-3 lead.
Several errors by the Bankers led to four penalties being awarded to the Oilers, with Omela converting each one, giving them a 5-15 advantage.
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However, just before halftime, Festus Shiasi executed an excellent play to score a try for the Bankers.
Sikutwa nailed the conversion but Gibson Weru’s side took a 12-15 lead into the break.
The second half started similarly to the first, with the Oilers striking first. Samson Onsomu dotted down a try, followed by a successful conversion from Omela, which gave them a 12-22 lead.
It became a back-and-forth encounter, with KCB responding through Erick Miheso’s try and Sikutwa’s conversion, narrowing the gap to 22-19.
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The Bankers were then awarded a penalty, which Sikutwa converted to level the score at 22-22.
The Oilers seized the advantage once again, with Omela finishing off a well-executed play from Onsomu, although Omela’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful. The Oilers took a 27-22 lead.
With Oilers’ defense starting to falter, KCB capitalized when Sikutwa broke through to score a try, leveling the score at 27-27.
He then converted his own try to secure a 29-27 victory for the Bankers, claiming maximum points from the thrilling encounter.
Elsewhere, at the Kakamega Showground, Kabras Sugar extended their unbeaten run to nine matches, narrowly defeating Nondescripts 7-3 in another hard-fought contest.
Nondescripts took an early lead with Calvin Sheunda’s successful penalty, but Kabras responded with Walter Okoth’s try and Ntabeni Dukisa’s conversion to make it 7-3.
Despite the Millers having other chances to extend their lead, some were ruled out for a double movement, with the match ending 7-3. Kabras continued their dominance, sealing their bid for the title this season.
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At Strathmore Grounds, Nakuru RFC stunned Strathmore Leos with a 23-22 victory, keeping their hopes of top-flight survival alive.
At Impala Grounds, Mwamba RFC triumphed over Impala RFC 19-12, while Kenya Harlequins overpowered South Coast Pirates 43-17 at Seacrest Grounds in Diani.
KU Blak Blad also asserted their dominance, defeating Kisumu RFC 40-19 at the ASK Showground in Mambo Leo.
Kenya Cup Week 9 Results
- Impala RFC 12-19 Mwamba RFC
- Strathmore Leos 22-23 Nakuru RFC
- Kisumu RFC 19-40 K.U Blak Blad
- South Coast Pirates 17-43 Kenya Harlequin FC
- Kabras Sugar 7-3 Nondescripts
- KCB Rugby 29-27 Menengai Oilers