Kabras RFC II secured their place in the Eric Shirley Shield final with a thrilling 53-27 victory over Menengai Oilers II in a captivating encounter at the Kakamega Showground on Friday afternoon.
After missing the finals in the previous season, Kabras Sugar II displayed dominance this season. In the match, they started strong with an early try from Brian Kiptoo, expertly converted by Eric Cantona, to take a 7-0 lead.
However, Oilers II quickly responded with a converted try, levelling the scores at 7-7.
As the game progressed, Kabras Sugar II surged ahead with a penalty try, putting them in the lead at 14-7, before Oilers II narrowed the gap with a drop goal, making it 14-10.
Both teams then exchanged quick tries, with Kabras Sugar II extending their lead to 19-10 through Hillary Salano before Oilers II closed in with a converted try, ending the first half at 19-17.
In the second half, Kabras II intensified their efforts to maintain their home-ground advantage, extending their lead to 24-17 despite a missed conversion. However, Oilers II fought back, converting a penalty to bring the score to 24-20.
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Undeterred, Kabras Sugar II capitalized on a lineout in the Oilers’ territory, setting up a maul that led to a try by Fortune Arturo, boosting their lead to 31-20 after a successful conversion by Cantona.
Hillary Mwanjilwa then breached the Oilers’ defence for another try, with Cantona’s conversion bringing the score to 38-20.
Kabras Sugar II continued to demonstrate dominance, with Alvin Mutachi adding to their tally with a try, widening the gap to 43-20 after a successful conversion.
Maintaining their momentum, they secured another try through Salano, with Cantona’s conversion increasing the lead to 50-20.
Despite a penalty try awarded to Oilers II, Kabras Sugar II remained composed, with Cantona adding three more points to seal the victory at 53-27 and secure their place in the finals.
They will face the winner of the semi-final match against Kenya Harlequin II and KCB II.
