Kabras RFC advanced to the Eric Shirley Shield semifinals with a convincing 47-7 victory over Blak Blad in the playoffs held at Nakuru ASK Showground.
Unlike their league encounter, where Kabras overwhelmed Blak Blad with a 90-0 win, including a 50-0 halftime lead, this match was a more competitive affair in the first half, with both sides locked at 7-7 at the break.
Kabras opened the scoring with a converted try, but Blak Blad responded swiftly with their own converted effort to level the match.
In the second half, Kabras capitalized on a poor clearance by Blak Blad. A swift transition saw Eric Cantona link up with Humphrey Asiligwa, who crossed the whitewash for a try. Samuel Omollo added the extras, giving Kabras a 14-7 lead.
The lead widened when a series of offloads among the forwards allowed Clinton Litali to break through for a centre-post try. Omollo’s conversion extended the advantage to 21-7.
Collins Osore then set up Mike Lukusi, who sold a dummy on the left flank before offloading to Asiligwa for his second try of the match. The conversion pushed the score to 28-7.
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Osore’s sharp instincts saw him capitalize on Kabras’ pressure from a scrum in Blad’s red zone. He pounced on a loose ball to score the fifth try, with Cantona slotting in a difficult conversion to make it 35-7.
The relentless Sugarmen added to their tally when Osore chased down a kick after a turnover, securing his second try. Lukusi’s conversion attempt missed, keeping the score at 40-7.
Andrew Wangila capped off the dominant performance in the second half, diving over from a line-out for Kabras’ final try. This time, Lukusi was on target with the conversion, sealing the 47-7 win.
With this victory, Kabras RFC march on to the semifinals, continuing their pursuit of the Eric Shirley Shield title.
Kabras RFC ESS squad
1. Steve Oluoch
2. Geoffrey Shitambasi
3. Darrel Oluoch
4. Shem Joseph
5. Mike Okello
6. Jacktone Osoo
7. Clinton Litali
8. Biden Hayo
9. Roy Maruti
10. Samuel Omollo
11. Humphrey Asiligwa
12. Valerian Tendwa
13. Brian Kiptoo
14. Mike Lukusi
15. Eric Cantona
16. Jibril Lugonzo
17. Hamza Kassim
18. Mike Mureithi
19. Andrew Wangila
20. Reuben Amani
21. Collins Osore
22. Victor Wawire
23. Alvin Mutachi
Blak Blad Starting XV:
- Arthur Nyakundi
- Brian Shile
- Ayieko Moses
- Shikuku Argwings
- Juma Njenga
- Njiraini David
- Peter Musyoki
- Trevor Ayombe
- Mark Gachau
- Gabriel Otete
- Wesonga Shuaib (Captain)
- Sifuna Doughlas
- Mulongo Meja
- Ambale George
- Nyabuto Don
Reserves:
- Jeremy Weru
- Gideon Micah
- Chris Opiyo
- Bildad Ochieng’
- Christantus Oketch
- Cyprian Dawa
- Irad Ruto
- Ian Duncan
