Kisumu RFC began the year in style, thrashing South Coast Pirates 38-9 at Mamboleo Stadium on Saturday to claim the Obange Cup.
The match, dubbed the Obange Cup, was organized to commemorate 10 years since the passing of former Chairman Fidel Odinga. Kisumu strengthened their squad during the transfer window with notable arrivals from Kabras RFC, and five loanees made an immediate impact by scoring a try each.
Kisumu RFC 6 tries
The hosts ran in six tries against Pirates, securing a maximum of five points.
It was Pirates who started brightly, earning a penalty in the first minute, which Kelly Akengo converted to give them an early 3-0 lead. Akengo added another penalty shortly after, extending the advantage to 6-0.
Early on, Kisumu struggled to find their rhythm, before they capitalized with their first well-executed move from a scrum. A second-line attack by Warren Kamadi saw David Williams link up with Darrell Omondi, who released Victor Otieno for a try. However, Williams missed the conversion.
The visitors had an opportunity to widen the gap, but Akengo missed a penalty from the left side. He made amends moments later with a successful drop goal, bringing the score to 9-5.
Kisumu ended the first half on top when a driven maul allowed Felix Omondi to cross the try line. Williams converted, giving Kisumu a 12-9 lead at halftime.
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In the second half, substitute Walter Mikanga made an immediate impact with two successful penalties. Darrell Omondi then dived over for Kisumu’s third try, extending their lead to 23-9 marking a debut try for the youngster who is on loan from Kabras.
The hosts secured the all-important bonus-point try after a patient build-up saw replacement Gibson Perez dive over to make it 28-9. A charge-down by Kisumu allowed substitute Dennis Makanji to ground the ball, pushing the score to 33-9.
Former Koyonzo High School back Branton Lusisa came off the bench to score on his debut, rounding off the emphatic 38-9 victory.
Kisumu now sit on maximum points for the first time this season, while South Coast Pirates remain winless after four rounds.
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