This marks KCB’s seventh Kenya Cup title since 2005. This year’s team joins The clash of 2005 which managed to win the title three times in a row. Other sides that have managed the same fate include Kenya Harlequins, Nondies, Impala.
The match started with Kenya 7s skipper Jacob Ojee missing two penalties attempts. He then mend for his earlier misses by gliding past Kabras centre Mario Wilson to score the opening try. He rose and converted his own try for a 7-0 lead forcing the home fans to go mute. Peter Kilonzo was then sin-binned for a neck tackle on Jone Kubu.
Beautiful display from both sides would follow as Kabras chase for the opening try continued. The hosts went on to spend several minutes in KCB half but failed to gain anything from it. Philip Wokorach penalty attempt went wide while Jone Kubu’s kick went out of play.
Kabras were dealt a blow after centre Nick Baraza limped off after a suspected concussion. He went down after a fend off by Ojee. Despite his exit, the Kakamega based side soldiered on and their efforts paid off just before halftime.
They were able to breach KCB’s defence after several pick and drives. Dan Sikuta dotted their first try of the game while Wokorach missed his conversion attempt.
In the closing half, the clash started on a slow note but Kabras rose and scored. Kevin Keegan fed Johnstone Munga’u who surged on but was stopped before going over. Barry Robinson quick release from a ruck saw Charlton Mokua crush on the ball and dive over to send the Showground to cheers. Wokorach quickly added the extras and Kabras were in the lead.
The Sugarmen extended the lead after a penalty by Wokorach. Henly Du Plessis charges were reduced to 14 men after Keegan was sin-binned and Ojee would slot in two successive penalties to leave the gap at two points.
Substitute Shaban Ahmed dived over at posts to restore KCB’s lead. Two more points from the tee saw the bankers go 20-15 up. Ojee three points from the tee saw them widen the gap and the side would go on to be champs.
Kabras squad: 1. Ephraim Odour, 2.Max Adaka, 3.Asuman Mugerwa, 4.Charlton Mokua, 5. Hillary Odhiambo 6.Dan Sikuta, 7.George Nyambua, 8. Claude Johannes 9. Barry Robinson 10.Philip Wokorach 11. Kevin Keegan, 12. Nick Baraza, 13. Mario Wilson 14.Felix Ayange 15. Jone Kubu
Replacements: 16. Geoffrey Shitambasi, 17. Hillary Mwajilwa, 18. Joseph Odero, 19. Brain Juma, 20. Kevin Kabole, 21. Dan Angwech, 22. Johnstone Mun’gau, 23. Paul Abuto
KCB Squad: Oscar Sorano, 2. Peter Karia, 3. Curtis Lilako © 4, Oliver Mang’eni, 5. Francis Mwita, 6. Andrew Amonde, 7. Peter Waitere, 8. Davis Chenge, 9. Samuel Asati, 10. Kennedy Moseti, 11. Jacob Ojee, 12. Brian Omondi, 13. Peter Kilonzo, 14. Tony Onyango, 15. Isaac Njoroge.
Reserves: 16. Griffin Musila, 17. Moses Amusala, 18. George Gichure, 19. Brian Nyikuli, 20. Rocky Aguko, 21. Michael Wanjala, 22, Shaban Ahmed, 23. Vincent Onyala
