Kenya Harlequin survived late scare to hold off a spirited Blak Blad 28-23 in a 2 pm match at the Impala Pavillion.
Quins were the quicker team off the blocks, scoring inside the opening five minutes, Charlton Mokua running a hard line to open the scoring off a line out. Evin Asena then stepped up to add the extra twos for a 7-0.
Kenya Harlequin concede
Blad would reply almost immediately, Archadius Khwesa breaking a tackle to race clear of the Quins defence to dot down. Kelvin Gathu then split the uprights draw the scores level.
Quins who were on the ascendancy would capitalise on their territorial advantage to let Asena slot in three quick penalties while Blad missed one on the opposite side for a 16-7 lead in favour of the home side.
The Quins backline who were running rampant would then benefit with a try, Leon Nyang stepping inside to an open gap before backing his pace to finish near the corner.
Asena’s attempt at the extras unsuccessful to leave the scores at 18-7.
Each team would then grab a penalty apiece before center referee Dancan Kioko signalled the end of first half proceedings with Quins leading 21-10.
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The half time talk seemed to have worked as the students got out of the blocks smelling blood, first missing a scoring opportunity as Nyang fumbled in his try area before Derrick Wechuli stepped inside from the right wing before beating three markers to score the first try of the second half.
Enock Oduor then added the extra twos to make it a four point game, scores now 21-17.
Blad would miss another chance to go ahead, the referee calling for a knock on as scrumhalf Benjamin Ruger was trying to get quick ball on the Quins five meter line.
Blad would cut the deficit to just one point through a Daniel Oyoo penalty before Quins who were down to 14 men now replied immediately with a try under the uprights to stretch their lead to eight points. Scores now 28-20.
Blad score
Blad would be next with the points, capitalising on a second yellow card to Quins as subsitute Joshua Chisanga would be shown his matching orders. Oyoo slotted in a penalty kick from close range to make it a five point game.
Blad would put Quins on the backfoot for the remaining five or so minutes to no avail, the Quins defence holding their own for a 28-23 win.
The match had a dramatic with emotions rising high from both technical bench and players were involved in a scuffle after the final whistle.
