JKUAT Cougars joined MMUST Rugby and Catholic Monks in starting their KRU Championship campaign on a high note, defeating Mombasa RFC 18-12 at the JKUAT Grounds.
The Cougars made an immediate impact, scoring in the second minute when eighth man Willy Tino powered over the try line. However, the conversion attempt went wide, leaving the score at 5-0.
JKUAT Cougars penalty
In the 16th minute, co-captain Davies Masinga extended JKUAT’s lead with a well-taken penalty, making it 8-0.
Mombasa responded strongly, with Collins Amayo crossing the whitewash. Ezra Munga added the extras to narrow the gap to 8-7 at halftime.
The second half saw JKUAT regain control as hooker Bonnke Mwangi scored their second try. Karl Omito slotted the conversion, pushing the hosts’ lead to 15-7.
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The match grew more intense, with yellow cards issued in quick succession. JKUAT’s flanker was sin-binned in the 52nd minute, followed by Mombasa’s winger four minutes later. JKUAT capitalized on the latter’s absence, slotting in a penalty for an 18-7 advantage.
Despite losing Tino to another yellow card in the 72nd minute, JKUAT held firm. Mombasa managed a late response through Newton Malenya, whose try brought the score to 18-12, but it was not enough to overturn JKUAT’s lead.
The Cougars secured a solid victory, setting the tone for their Championship campaign.
