- KCB RFC appeal decision to end abandoned Kenya Cup clash against rivals Kabras as draw.
- KCB feel the wrong regulations are being used to make the verdict of the case, hence their decision to appeal.
- The KRU Director of Fixtures and Competitions Leslie Mwangale confirmed that KCB’s appeal had been received.
KCB RFC have officially filed an appeal against the decision to end their abandoned 25/26 Kenya Cup clash against perennial rivals Kabras Sugar RFC as a draw, SportPesa Blog can confirm.
On Tuesday, the Kenya Rugby Union Fixtures and League Committee announced the two rivals would share the spoils after the game was abandoned just before the start of the second half owing to adverse weather conditions that made the pitch unsafe to play on.
“The other affected Kenya Cup match involved KCB Rugby and Kabras Sugar RFC which had been abandoned during play. In this case, the committee ruled that the result at the time the match was halted will stand as the final outcome of the fixture,” read part of the official statement from KRU.
ALSO READ: No replay for KCB vs Kabras tie as KRU uphold result of abandoned Kenya Cup tie
KCB RFC appeal decision to end abandoned Kenya Cup clash
SportPesa Blog understands that KCB feel the wrong regulations are being used to make the verdict of the case, hence their decision to appeal.
KCB say the decision is being made from non-weather issues but the referee’s report state that the game was cancelled because of weather conditions that made it unsafe to play.
“They should have used the regulation which talks to other reasons plus weather whereby it says if abandoned in the first half, it should be played fully. If abandoned during the second half, it should be reconvened and finished.
KCB also feel there is an issue of bias as the KRU Fixtures and League Committee is composed of people who have close connections with Kabras.
What the KRU competitions manual says on match abandonment
13. ABANDONMENT – OTHER CAUSES
In the event of a match having to be abandoned for any other reason other than weather, the
following procedures shall apply:
1.1. Where a Match has been abandoned either at half-time or at any time in the second half the result shall stand;
1.2. Where a Match has been abandoned during the first half the result shall be declared a draw and the match will be replayed as determined by the KRU in consultation with the teams.
1.3. Where it is a semifinal or final match then subject to the circumstances, the Match Commissioner and Centre Referee will provide reports that will enable the League and Fixtures Committee to give direction on the next course of action.
The KRU Director of Fixtures and Competitions Leslie Mwangale confirmed that KCB’s appeal had been received and the relevant body will try to expedite the case in order to have a verdict by next week.
The decision to end the game as a draw saw Kabras maintain their position at the top of the table on 47 points while KCB sit second with 45 points. Menengai Oilers are third, also on 45 points after closing the gap.
Strathmore Leos and KU Blak Blad complete the top five with 31 and 23 points respectively.