Kabras RFC are through to their eighth consecutive Kenya Cup final after beating Kenya Harlequin 22-8 in a semi-final contest at Kakamega Showground.
Kabras will now host KCB in the final next weekend as they seek to defend the title won last year.
Kabras RFC impressive semis
This victory adds to Kabras’ impressive record, having won all eight of their previous semi-final appearances in the nine seasons they have competed in the Kenya Cup.
Despite Kenya Harlequin’s strong determination to make their first final appearance in almost a decade, Kabras proved to be a formidable opponent.
Harlequin put up a valiant fight, but unfortunately, their eight-match unbeaten streak in the top tier came to an end. It was a tough loss for Harlequin’s coach, Paul Murunga, who has now experienced his third elimination against Kabras, having suffered two more while coaching Homeboyz in 2017 and 2018.
Quins entered into the scoresheet almost immediately after kickoff, with Henry Ayah drilling in a penalty following a Kabras’ infringement to lead 3-0.
Eight minutes later and Quins were awarded a chance to increase the score gap through a penalty but Ayah kick sailed inches off the post.
The home side chance of a come back fell short to conceding penalties at the breakdown. However as the game progressed, they quickly made ammends to their errors to score a try through Alfred Orege who was set up by Jone Kubu. Ntabeni Dukisa failed to add the extras, Kabras jumping into the lead, 5-3.
Ayah once again came short off a penalty with ten minutes of first half to play, after his kick sailed wide.
The resulting play saw Kabras forwards bring their A-game , with their powerful drives pinning Quins deep into their 22.
The pressure finally paid off as Jeanson Musoga stretched the home side’s lead to 10-3, as he caught Quins defence napping, as he picked the ball inside from the back of the scrum in Quins 5-metre line.
Dukisa failed to add the extras, as the referee signalled the end of the first half, the Sugarmen leading 10-3.
Second half opens up for Kabras RFC
The second half witnessed both sides make mistakes in the breakdown and ball handling which saw the scores remain unchanged for a while.
However the home side, who were still enjoying acres of territory scored their second try through Captain George Nyambua after a powerful maul drive off a lineout. Jone Kubu taking over kicking duties added extras to take the scores to 17-3, Kabras lead.
Ten minutes later and the sugar men were at it again, this time Hillary Odhiambo going over the white wash. Jone Kubu failed to add the extras, as the sugar men take a 22-3 commanding lead.
Both teams were reduced to 14 men in a span of two minutes, as Sheldon Kahi’s yellow card followed Ntabeni Dukisa’s who sent into the naughty chair for dangerous tackles.
The numerical difference favored the visitors as they grabbed a try of their own through former Kabras man Dominic Osino. Ayah failed to add the extras as Kabras held on to win the game 22-8.
Kabras RFC squad vs Quins
1.Ephrahim Oduor 2.Eugene Sifuna3. Hillary Mwanjilwa 4. Hillary Odhiambo 5. Brian Juma 6. George Nyambua(C) 7. Daniel Sikuta 8.Jeanson Misoga 9. Barry Robinson 10. Ntabeni Dukisa 11.Lameck Ambetsa 12. Walter Okoth 13.Bryceson Adaka 14.Alfred Orege 15. Jone Kubu16. Teddy Akala 17. Emmanuel Otieno 18.Asuman Mugerwa 19. David Bunduki 20. Elphas Emong 21. Dan Angwech 22. Malika Habil 23. Paul Abuto
Quins IAN NJENGA 2. BRIAN WARABA 3. MESHACK TUNNECH 4. MICHAEL ONSANDO (Captain) 5. HILLARY BARAZA 6 SHELDON KAHI 7. CHARLTON MOKUA 8. ELKINS MUSONYE 9. CORNELIUS MOKORO 10. HENRY AYAH 11. BRIAN ONYIEGO 12. PAUL MUTSAMI 13. RICHEL WANGILA 14. DAVE MWAURA 15. DOMINIC OSINO (Vice Captain)MOHAMMED KHAIDER 17. ELISHA KORONYA 18. WILHITE MUSUSI 19. FELIX MAKOKHA 20. MARK OMODING 21. ANORLD ONZERE 22. BRIAN RATILA 23. JOHMARK AWITI
