Kabras RFC proved superior once again defeating KCB RFC 32-20 at RFUEA Grounds to complete a four-peat in Enterprise Cup and completed another local double going unbeaten once again.
Despite missing key names such as DerricK Ashihundu, Brian Tanga, Asuman Mugerwa, Jone Kubu, Kevin Wekesa, Lamec Ambetsa and Bryceson Adaka among others kabras started the match on a high note, claiming Ntabeni Dukisa’s kick. The millers then pinned KCB in their red zone, forcing an Elvis Namusasi clearance.
Kabras RFC lead
Humphrey Asiligwa pounced on the kick, slicing through a stunned green defense to score under the posts, making it 5-0. Dukisa had the easiest of tasks adding the conversion, giving Kabras an early 7-0 lead.
Kabras RFC 2023/24 Kenya Cup final. PHOTO/Kabras media
KCB missed an opportunity to close the gap, with Namusasi missing a penalty from barely twenty meters out. However, Namusasi made up for his miss by slotting in a three-pointer moments later after KCB caught Kabras napping on defense, forcing an offside penalty.
The Bankers, now on the ascendancy, turned up the heat to force another offside penalty right in front of the posts. Namusasi drilled it in, pulling KCB within four points. Dukisa kept the board ticking, converting a penalty from the 22-meter mark to make it 13-6 as the first half passed its midway point.
Kabras missed a chance to pull away after they failed to capitalize on a scrum ball on KCB’s five-meter line, with Shiasi taking the ball into his try box under the keen attention of Kabras chasers.
KCB suffered a setback as Namusasi was shown a red card for a high tackle on Erick Cantona, forcing Cantona to be stretchered off the pitch and replaced by Hillary Salano.
Despite being down to 14 men, KCB held on, surviving a late first-half surge from Kabras after Barry Robinson failed to capitalize on a two-versus-one situation on the outside. The resulting turnover signaled the end of the first half with the scores at 13-6 in favor of the millers as both teams headed for the break.
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Kabras were quick off the blocks scoring minutes into the second stanza, Dukisa selling a dummy before slicing through the Kabras defence to open the second half scores. He would convert his try to make it 20-6.
In a turn of events, KCB defied their numerical disadvantage to force possession deep in Kabras territory for prolonged periods. Their venture paid off after Festus Shiasi offloaded deep in the tackle to an oncoming Ahmed Shaban who dotted down in the corner. Shiasi would convert the try to bring the scores to 20-13, throwing the game wide open once again.
The game was turning into a tight contest, Kabras missing most of the chances as KCB held on, the numerical disadvantage not playing in their favour.
Kabras RFC try
Kabras would finally break the green defence, the backs combining well for Dukisa to release James Olela who had to jog it into the corner. Dukisa’s attempt at adding the extra twos was unsuccessful leaving scores the at 25-13.
Kabras RFC players in a previous Kenya Cup final. PHOTO/ CMoncy Images
KCB were next to score, playing at close quarters, U20 sensation Michael Wamalwa would burge in from the back of a maul between the uprights, Levy Amunga adding the extras to make it a five point game. Scores now 25-20 with less than ten minutes left on the clock.
The heavyweights would continue trading hits, both missing chances to put in points as the game which was turning into a massive physical contest witnessed numerous stoppages in the second half.
Barry Robinson was the second Kabras man to be stretchered off after a hit from Jacob Ojee.
The nerve wrecking game would leave the fans on their feet for the last minutes saw Kabras land a final following a quick through from a dead ball . They later put up a resolute defence to win the cup 32-20 win.
