Kabras RFC extended their title-winning form with a 45-3 triumph over South Coast Pirates in a historic Kenya Cup clash played at the scorching Seacrest Grounds in Diani, Kwale County, on Saturday afternoon.
This much-anticipated encounter marked the first-ever Kenya Cup match in Diani and the Pirates’ inaugural home game in the competition. The Pirates managed to hold Kabras at bay for the opening 10 minutes, aided by a yellow card to Jone Kubu.
Kabras RFC lead
Pirates had a chance to lead early on, but former Kabras player Kelly Akengo missed a penalty kick. Kubu returned to the field to open the scoring with a well-executed backs move, touching down for the first try. Despite the challenging angle, Eric Cantona slotted the conversion for a 7-0 lead.
Akengo missed another penalty opportunity, and Kabras capitalized on their dominance. Teddy Akala scored Kabras’ second try after a series of pick-and-go phases, with Cantona adding the extras for a 14-0 lead.
Later in the first half, Griffin Chao finished a sweeping move, slicing through the Pirates’ defence to score Kabras’ third try. Drama ensued during the conversion attempt, as Brighton Omondi’s charge-down effort resulted in an injury to Cantona and a subsequent red card issued by referee Saidi Keya.
Jone Kubu stepped up and successfully converted, extending the lead to 21-0.
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The second half saw Kubu continue his fine form, scoring a corner try, although the conversion was missed. Kabras kept up the pressure, and scrum-half Roy Maruti exploited a defensive gap to score his maiden try for the club. Kubu added the conversion, making it 33-0.
The Pirates pulled back three points through a penalty by Akengo, but Kabras skipper George Nyambua powered over the try line shortly after. Kubu’s accurate boot stretched the score to 40-3. In the dying moments, substitute Gabriel Adero sealed the victory with a final try, capping off an impressive Kabras performance.
