Strathmore Leos had to come from behind to overcome a slow start and beat KRU Championship side Zetech Oaks 32-17 at the Strathmore Complex to book their place in the Enterprise Cup quarterfinals.
Zetech Oaks struck first through a try by diminutive fullback Anderson Oduor, although the conversion attempt went wide, handing Ramsfield Matekwa’s side a 5-0 lead that stood until the 13th minute.
The Leos responded by maintaining possession through several phases before scoring from close range off a ruck. Oaks reclaimed the lead three minutes later when Brian Ondego stretched over the line after another visit into Leos red zone to make it 10-5, with the conversion again going wide.
Strathmore continued to apply pressure and eventually drew level with an unconverted try before taking control late in the first half. The hosts capitalized on a yellow card shown to a Zetech prop for a high tackle, with Gabriel Ayimba finishing in the corner to give the Leos a narrow halftime advantage.
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The Leos came out stronger in the second half and extended their lead when their fullback crossed in the right corner after a sweeping move off the scrum, pushing the score to 20-10.
The gap widened further when Amon Wamalwa set up Brian Mwendwa for a try near the posts, with Wamalwa adding the conversion to make it 27-10.
Strathmore added their fifth try through the hooker to move to 32 points, although Wamalwa missed the conversion. Zetech Oaks managed a late consolation with a converted try in the closing minutes, but it proved too little, too late as the Leos sealed a 32-17 victory.
