Menengai Oilers continued to pile pressure on Kenya Harlequin as they trounced their hosts 42-28 in a Kenya Cup match played at RFUEA grounds, Nairobi.
Oilers’ were first on board when Kenya Simbas outside back Timothy Omela slotted in a penalty goal. But Quins would level the scores few minutes later through Asena’s boot for a 3-3 score.
Menengai Oilers regained their lead after Chrispine Shitundo crossed the whitewash to dot down their first try of the match. The conversion attempt was successful taking the scores to 10-3.
Quins responded with a try from Mathew Ouma to cut the deficit to 8-10. But a determined Oilers’ side didn’t slow down, they would extend their lead after Timothy Omela drilled in a drop goal to take the scores to 13-8. Quins levelled matters shortly after Mike Ochieng scored a try which went uncoverted.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- Follow us on Scrummage Africa FB
- Mike Friday advice to Kenya 7s
- List of laws to be used in Kenya Cup 2024/25
- 1 step forward, 2 back: A story of Kenya Rugby Referees
In the second half, Oilers pumped in four more tries to ran away with a huge win. Early on in the second half, Nelson Makokha scored Oilers’ second try which was converted to open a 7-point lead. Asena tried to reduce the lead with a penalty goal but Oilers responded as substitute hooker Emmanuel Mulla scored a try minutes later through a rolling maul.
Ervin Asena pulled one back for the hosts as he crossed over in the corner. His attempt on the conversion was unsuccessful as the scores read 21-25. Oilers would then land two back-to-back converted tries through Fortune Aturo and Kenya Simbas wing Beldad Ogeta to race to an unassailable 39-21 lead.
Timothy Omela added another penalty goal for Oilers to extend their lead late in the game before Edward Shitanda went over for the hosts’ consolation try which was converted for a full-time score of 28-42 in favour of Menengai Oilers.
This was the second consecutive defeat to Quins who were coming off a narrow 26-24 loss to Nondies. Menengai Oilers will look to maintain their form when they host unbeaten Nondies side in their next fixture.
Meanwhile, Paul Murunga will be hoping Leon Nyang, Lucky Dewald and Amon Wamalwa to have recovered from their respective injuries when they make that short trip to Ruaraka to play former Kenya Cup champions KCB RFC.
