Home advantage counted for something as Nakuru RFC dug deep to keep their 2026 Prinsloo 7s dream alive, battling past fierce rivals Menengai Oilers 14-7 in a high-pressure encounter to seal a place in the Main Cup quarterfinals.
It was a contest that had everything expected of a local derby; bone-rattling tackles, fierce breakdown battles, desperate defensive shifts and a place in the knockout rounds hanging in the balance.
With both sides knowing only victory would secure passage to the last eight, the clash was played at a relentless tempo before the hosts eventually came out on top to send the Nakuru Athletic Club faithful into celebration.
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The road to the quarterfinals had not been straightforward for the Wanyore. They opened their campaign with a disappointing 12-7 defeat to KU Black Blad, leaving little room for error in the remainder of the pool stages.
The hosts responded in style, brushing aside Impala RFC 25-5 to revive their hopes before setting up the decisive showdown against Menengai Oilers.
Leading from the front throughout the campaign, captain Christant Ojwang admitted the opening defeat forced the squad into a change of mindset.
“We started a bit slowly having lost our first match but we had to turn things around from there, so the focus is now on the quarterfinals and giving our fans something to smile about,” said Ojwang.
The victory carried far more significance than simply progressing to the knockout rounds. The Nakuru-Oilers rivalry is among the fiercest in Kenyan rugby, with local pride always on the line whenever the two neighbours meet.
Ojwang revealed that the added stakes only fuelled his side’s determination.
“We had to turn up because facing Oilers is all about bragging rights. Knowing the winner was going to the quarterfinals made it even bigger. Whoever wanted it more had to show it on the pitch, and I feel we wanted it more, which is why we emerged victorious.”
For the hosts, reaching the Main Cup quarterfinals was also about ensuring the home supporters had something to cheer during their own tournament.
“We are super proud to have made the quarters. It would have been quite sad if we, as the hosts, had failed to get there, so I think we gave the fans something more to smile about.”
The emotion at the final whistle reflected just how much the victory meant. As the referee signalled the end of the contest, jubilant Nakuru supporters streamed onto the pitch to celebrate with the players, creating one of the standout moments of the tournament’s opening day.
Ojwang admitted the scenes brought back memories of another unforgettable afternoon at the Nakuru Athletic Club.
“It’s a feeling we haven’t had for a long time. The last time our fans came onto the pitch to celebrate with us here at home was a few years ago when we were fighting against relegation. Coincidentally, it was against the same team and we managed to win.”
With momentum now on their side, Nakuru RFC face one of the tournament favourites, KCB Rugby, in a blockbuster Main Cup quarterfinal. While acknowledging the challenge ahead, the captain insists the hosts will not abandon the game plan that has carried them this far.
“Expect the same shift from us. We will stick to our plan and whoever we are facing in the quarterfinals, we are up for it and our target is to win.”
Ojwang also reserved special praise for the club’s passionate supporters, whose voices echoed around the Nakuru Athletic Club throughout the opening day.
“The Nakuru RFC fans have been amazing as always. We thank them for the support and rallying behind us, and we promise to give them something to smile about.”
After surviving a must-win derby and punching their ticket to the last eight, Nakuru RFC have rediscovered belief at exactly the right time.
Their defensive line speed, commitment at the contact area and ability to respond under pressure will now be tested against the experienced KCB outfit. However, buoyed by a passionate home crowd and renewed confidence, the hosts head into the knockout stages believing they can continue their Prinsloo 7s journey and perhaps script another memorable chapter on home soil.