South Coast Pirates kicked off the 2022/23 KRU championship campaign on a high, defeating visitors USIU martials 32-24 in a hotly contested duel staged at Seacrest Grounds, Diani Saturday 26th.
Pirates went to the match as favourites having impressed in the last season and their only mission was to pick from where they left. Winger Steven Bosire was the first to break the deadlock only seven minutes into the playing time to put the hosts ahead after a series of interchange, Elias Gitonga added the extras 7-0.
Pirates kept pressing on, an event that saw Bosire landing a brace twelve minutes later to stretched their lead with unconverted try for 12-0 lead.
The varsity side attempts to reduce the deficit paid off in the 25th minute after Jeremy Martin capitalized on pirates defensive error to score a try, Allan Odiyo converted, 12-7.
Before even the dust had settle, Pirates half back Ali Rashid cancelled their celebration by landing a centre post try, Elias Gitonga continued with his kicking prowess to drill home the conversion for 19-7.
USIU won the advantage, fly half Allan Odiyo converting a penalty 19-10 before winger Eric ombwaga added another converted try to trail 19-10 at the breather.
The Kevin Amiani charges came back breathing fire, launching a series of attacks, Full back Bakari Hassan and Kenya Chipu’s Idd Ganguma touched two quick unconverted tries and a penalty from Elias Gitonga two minutes after resumption to take the driving seat 32-10 at Seacrest Grounds.
The visitors had to come out of their comfort zone by pulling a brace that were well converted courtesy of Paul kituyi,32-24. But it was too late to rescue the Nairobi based side from a defeat.
Pirates will have an away date with Kisumu RFC next weekend who trashed Shamas foundation 15-11.
Nondies life in the second tier started off with a 46-13 off fellow newbies Daystar Falcons. Impala suffered a shocking 18-16 at home against fellow newbies Zetech Oaks.
Western Bulls once again had to share spoils with UoE Trojans after drawing 13-13. Kabarak defeated Eldoret 16-6.
KRU Champions Round I results
Impala 16-18 Zetech Ooaks
Nondescripts 46-13 Daystar Falcons
South Coast Pirates 32-24 USIU Martial
Shamas Foundation 11-15 Kisumu RFC
Western Bulls 13-13 UoE Trojans
Eldoret 6-16 Kabarak— Scrummage Africa (@ScrummageKe) November 26, 2022
KRU Champions Round I results
Impala 16-18 Zetech Ooaks
Nondescripts 46-13 Daystar Falcons
South Coast Pirates 32-24 USIU Martial
Shamas Foundation 11-15 Kisumu RFC
Western Bulls 13-13 UoE Trojans
Eldoret 6-16 Kabarak
