The stage is set for the 2025 Eric Shirley Shield final, scheduled for Saturday, April 5, at KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka.
The highly anticipated clash will see KCB Rugby take on Menengai Oilers, with kickoff confirmed for 3:00 p.m.
Kenya Cup officially announced the details, stating: “Update: The #EricShirleyShield finals will be played this coming Saturday at the Den. 3:00 PM: KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka.”
Menengai Oilers booked their first-ever appearance in an Eric Shirley Shield final after edging past Kabras RFC 25-20 at Nakuru ASK Grounds.
Kabras started strong, scoring an early converted try, but Oilers responded swiftly. Bruce Endovo crossed the whitewash, and Eric Ogutu added the conversion to level the scores at 7-7.
Oilers then took the lead for the first time as Ogutu slotted a penalty, making it 10-7. Byron Cornel extended their advantage with a powerful maul try, though Ogutu missed the conversion, leaving the score at 15-7.
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Kabras reduced the deficit with a penalty, but Oilers quickly reasserted control. Another well-executed maul saw Reuben Njoroge touch down, extending their lead to 20-10 at halftime.
After the break, Kabras added another three points, but Oilers sealed the victory when Paywick Munoko powered over for their final try, making it 25-13. Kabras fought back with a late converted try, but it wasn’t enough to deny Oilers their historic place in the final.
KCB Rugby secured their place in the final with an 18-10 victory over Kenya Harlequin at KCB Sports Club.
Quins struck first, with Allan Odiyo converting a penalty after KCB’s defensive line was caught offside. The Bankers responded when Wilfred Waswa dotted down from the back of a maul, though Elvis Namusasi missed the conversion, giving KCB a narrow 5-3 lead.
The visitors had a chance to reclaim the lead, but Odiyo failed to take his penalty within regulation time. KCB then extended their advantage when Michael Kimwele finished a move from the base of the scrum, touching down in the corner to make it 10-3.
Levy Amunga furthered KCB’s lead with a sensational try, latching onto a kick from halfway before shrugging off a defender to ground the ball. Namusasi, however, missed the conversion, and the teams went into halftime with KCB leading 15-3.
Harlequin responded quickly in the second half, capitalizing on an error from KCB. Marion Abungu scored under the posts after a series of carries, with Odiyo adding the conversion to make it a five-point game at 15-10.
Lionel Ajeliti extended KCB’s lead with a penalty, making it 18-10. However, he missed two subsequent penalty attempts, leaving the final score unchanged at 18-10.
