Blak Blad RFC defeated two-time Kenya Cup Champions Nakuru RFC 34-8 in the first Kenya Cup match that was played at the Kenyatta University ground on Saturday, 26th November 2022.
Nakuru RFC came leaping to this clash as they were almost relegated last season. Blak Blad, on the other hand, had registered a series of mixed results in that season. After an impressive preseason that saw them finish fourth in the Impala Floodlit, they were keen to secure a win in their first game of the season.
Wrong-footing
Nakuru RFC started off the match on a wrong footing, and were penalized in the opening minutes of the game, giving the students their first points of the game. The hosts’ joy was however short-lived, when they infringed, and Nakuru RFC collected the points to level the matters to 3-3 in the 21st minute of the first half.
The game opened up when Steve Odhiambo went over the whitewash to score Blad’s first try of the game. Ajeliti Ekesa added the extras.
After camping in Nakuru’s territory, Blak Blad managed another five-pointer through Nick Okullo. An attempt to convert was however unsuccessful.
Before the hosts were done celebrating their try, Kenya Sevens international Arcadious Khwesa danced his golden boots through Nakuru’s defense to land a centre-post that confirmed Blad’s lead. The conversion was successful off the boots of Ekesa before the end of the opening half to bring the scores to 22-3.
Blak Blad started off the second half on a high, successfully scoring two consecutive unconverted tries through David Njiriani and Arthur Wanda. The second try was converted by Ajay Ekesa.
Nakuru’s try
Nakuru pulled back through Paul Lusesi, but it was too late to make a difference, ending the game at 34-8.
The Thika-road based team will face off with Kenya Cup newbies Catholic Monks next weekend at the Blad Bin, while Nakuru still have a chance to claim a home win when they welcome Mwamba RFC in Nakuru next weekend.
