Zetech Oaks kicked off their KRU Championship campaign with a narrow 41-38 victory over USIU Martial in a high-scoring thriller played at Zetech, Mangu on Saturday.
The Oaks made a blistering start, running in four consecutive tries and converting three before USIU found their footing.
Zetech Oaks openers
Ken Wafula opened the scoring, and Johnson Wafula added the conversion for a 7-0 lead. Isaac Odhiambo extended the advantage, with another successful conversion pushing the score to 14-0.
Anderson Oduor added the third try, before Mark Demba crossed for the fourth. Wafula slotted in the extras as Zetech established a commanding 26-0 lead.
A yellow card to scrum-half Jack Mangale proved costly as USIU took full advantage, responding with three converted tries to cut the deficit to 26-21 heading into halftime.
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USIU carried their momentum into the second half, adding a penalty, a try, and a conversion to move into the 30s and complete an impressive comeback.
Zetech, however, steadied themselves. Brian Livoi powered over to restore their lead, and a penalty pushed the scores to 34-31. Demba then crossed for his second try of the match, and the conversion stretched the advantage to 41-31.
A late try by USIU closed the gap to 41-38, earning them two losing bonus points, but Zetech held on to secure the hard-fought win.
