ERIC SHIRLEY SHIELD

Menengai Oilers knock out Kabras to reach ESS final

By Amanga collins

Posted on March 28, 2025

Menengai Oilers vs Kabras. PHOTO/ Brian Mwenje

Menengai Oilers have secured their first-ever Eric Shirley Shield final appearance after defeating Kabras RFC 25-20 at Nakuru ASK Grounds.

The victory sets up a showdown with the winner of the KCB vs. Kenya Harlequin clash, scheduled for Saturday afternoon at KCB Sports Club.

Menengai Oilers trail

Kabras RFC took an early lead with a converted try, but the Oilers responded swiftly. Bruce Endovo crossed the whitewash, and Eric Ogutu slotted in the conversion to level the scores at 7-7.

Oilers then edged ahead for the first time when Ogutu drilled in a penalty for a 10-7 lead. A powerful maul saw Byron Cornel score, though Ogutu missed the conversion, giving Oilers a 15-7 advantage.

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Kabras reduced the deficit with a penalty, but Oilers quickly reasserted their dominance. Another maul try, this time from Reuben Njoroge, extended their lead to 20-10 at halftime.

After the break, Kabras added a three-pointer, but Oilers sealed the win when Paywick Munoko powered over for their final try, making it 25-13. Despite a late converted try by Kabras, Oilers held on to claim a historic spot in the final.