Nondies had to leave it late to upset giants Kenya Harlequin 26-20 in a Kenya Cup quarterfinal match staged at RFUEA Grounds.
It was the second weekend in a row that the Rangers were rising from a halftime trail to beat Quins at RFUEA grounds.
Nondies started off strongly pinning the hosts in their half. The resultant pressure earned Nondies a penalty early on but attempt by Moseti Nyaenya to drill home 3 points proved futile. But the Red Lions couldn’t be denied minutes later when Dominic Osino went over in the corner to put Nondies 5-0 up.
Brilliant efforts from Sankara Wafula who on receiving a high ball made a chip, chase and regather before offloading to Ryan Odua who later on unleashed Dominic Osino in space. The fullback would then rush to score in the corner. Conversion attempt by Moseti Nyaenya was a success.
Kenya Harlequin would respond with two quick taken penalty goals moments later to cut the deficit to 7-6. Just before halftime, Nondies were reduced to 14 men when scrumhalf Alex Devereux was shown a yellow card.
Quins capitalised on the advantage to score a try after working out a brilliant backline move off a scrum, which put their outside center in space who dashed to score under the uprights. Conversion attempt was a success. Quins went for the breather leading 13-7.
In the second half, Quins looked to have sealed the Semifinals spot when they extended their lead after their tighthead prop burged over.
Conversion attempt by Kenya Harlequin flyhalf sailed through giving the hosts a commanding 20-7 lead. But Nondies were not done yet, two quick tries by Charles Omondi and Fred Shisia who latched on an intercept before running over 40m to score with a conversion from Moseti Nyaenya to bring the scores to 20-19.
Nondies resurgence continued into the late stages of the game. Moseti Nyaenya had a chance to put the visitors ahead but his attempt on a 40m penalty hit the left upright.
Nondies would land a winning try late in the game through Steve Omondi converted by Moseti Nyaenya to win the game 26-20.
Nondies will head to Kakamega to play Kabras in the semis.
