Buffaloes held off a spirited second-half comeback from the Rhinos to secure a hard-fought 27-21 win at Nakuru Athletics Club, marking their first triumph in the 2024 Rugby Super Series.
Both teams entered the match seeking redemption after suffering defeats in their opening round of matches at RFUEA Grounds the previous Saturday.
Buffaloes concede
The Rhinos drew first blood with a try from lock John Aswani, converted by Ervin Asena, giving them an early 7-0 lead.
However, the Buffaloes capitalized on a yellow card to Sheldon Kahi, with Griffin Chao crossing over for a try under the posts, duly converted by Eric Cantona, leveling the scores.
Despite losing Cantona to a yellow card themselves, the Buffaloes seized the momentum before halftime, with captain Geoffrey Shitambasi scoring from a line-out maul, converted by Samuel Omollo, taking them into the break with a 14-7 advantage.
In the second half, the Buffaloes extended their lead with another try from Chao after a beautiful run on the left wing.
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It was converted by Cantona who was returning to the field after yellow card. However, the Rhinos mounted a fierce fightback, narrowing the gap with a try from Adam Mugo off a line-out maul, their conversion attempt went wide.
Amon Wamalwa then successful drilled in three penalties for the Rhinos to tie the scores at 21-21. The Buffaloes however regained the lead with a penalty from Cantona off a scrum penaty, followed by another successful kick, stretching their lead to 27-21.
In the final moments, Cantona narrowly missed a penalty attempt with the all hitting the cross bar, giving the Rhinos a glimmer of hope, but the Buffaloes secured victory with a crucial steal in the dying moments of the match.
The Buffaloes take home four points from the encounter, while the Rhinos earn a valuable consolation point for their efforts.
Buffaloes Starting Lineup
Edward Mwaura, Geoffrey Shitambasi (C), Hillary Mwanjilwa, Hillary Odhiambo, Clinton Litali, Thomas Simiyu, Collins Indeche, Gabriel Adero, Collins Osore, Eric Cantona, Griffin Chao, Darrel Brantana, Hillary Salano, Brian Kiptanui, Samuel Omollo
Bench
Jeremy Odhiambo, Emmanuel Otieno, Darrel Oluoch, Andrew Wangila, Biden Hayo, Jacktone Omondi, Patrick Kluivert, David Williams
Rhinos Starting Lineup
Mohamed Khedir, Adam Mugo, Meshack Tunnech, Ryan Odua, John Aswani, Steven Odhiambo ©, Laban Kipsang, Sheldon Kahi, Arnold Muita, Evin Asena, Victor Odhiambo, Shem Okola. Paul Mutsami, Matoka Matoka, Harmony Wamalwa
Bench
Dennis Tuibei, Eric Shimoli, Raymond Chacha, Charlton Mokua, Patrick Wainaina, Bruce Odhiambo, Charles Odhiambo, Charles Omondi
