Cheetahs overcame challenging conditions at the RFUEA Grounds to secure an 18-5 victory over the Buffaloes in a Rugby Super Series match played on Saturday.
The Nakuru-based side, consisting of players from Menengai Oilers, Nakuru RFC, relegated Homeboyz RFC, promoted Impala, relegated Kabarak University, and the University of Eldoret, is coached by Lawrence Buyachi.
Buffaloes, coached by Max Adaka, include players from Kenya Cup champions Kabras RFC, Kisumu RFC, Western Bulls, and MMUST.
Cheetahs lead in RSS
Despite the slippery surface due to heavy rains witnessed, the teams delivered an engaging match to mark the return of the Rugby Super Series after a 10-year hiatus.
The Cheetahs had an early chance to take the lead, but Quinto Oongo’s penalty attempt went wide. However, Ongo made amends with a successful penalty, putting the Cheetahs ahead 3-0.
The first try of the game came from Celestine Mboi, although Oongo missed the conversion, extending the lead to 8-0.
Buffaloes missed an opportunity to respond when a crucial attack was halted by a knock-on. They eventually got on the scoreboard through a penalty near the Cheetahs’ five-metre line, which Collins Indeche capitalized on with a quick tap and dive to bring the score to 8-5.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- David Mayabi’s dual dance
- Follow us on Scrummage Africa FB
- The story of Moreen Muritu
- Bethuel Anami’s unforgettable chapters
The Cheetahs however extended their lead before halftime when Clinton Juma broke through the defense and raced to score a try, with Ongo converting to make it 15-5 at the break.
The second half, played on a muddy field, was less eventful, producing only three more points from an additional Cheetahs penalty, leading to the final score of 18-5. The Rhinos and Buffaloes are scheduled for a later kickoff.
The teams will return to action next weekend as the Rugby Super Series continues, with fans eagerly anticipating more exciting matches in the coming weeks.
Rugby Super Series squads
Cheetahs Starting Lineup
1.Francis Orembe, 2. Celestine Mboi, 3. Destrerious Makenzi, 4. Ibraim Ayoo ©, 5. Clinton Juma, 6. Amos Nyamanya, 7. Felix Odhiambo, 8. Samuel Were, 9. Samson Onsomu, 10. Tony Owino, 11. Beldad Ogeta, 12. Chrispine Shitundo, 13. Tyson Maina, 14. Quinto Oongo, 15. Samuel Macharia
Bench: 16: Emmanuel Mboya, 17. Kevin Kiget, 18. Erick Miheso, 19. Nelson Tengeye, 20. Elkeans Mukamiti, 21. James Muthoni, 22. Javan Okwaro, 23. Barry Opondo
Buffaloes Starting Lineup
1.Edward Mwaura 2. Gibson Perez, 3. Hillary Mwanjilwa, 4. Clinton Litali, 5. Thomas Simiyu, 6. Jacktone Omondi, 7. Collins Indeche, 8. Biden Hayo, 9. Dan Angwech, 10. Eric Cantona, 11. Griffin Chao, 12. Hillary Salano, 13. Alvin Mutachi, 14. Bede Enonda 15. James Olela
Bench: 16.Christopher Otieno, 17. Moses Amonde, 18. Javan Olando, 19. Paywick Munoko, 20. Fortune Arturo, 21. Walter Ambe 22. Roy Maruti 23. Victor Otieno
