Eric Cantona bagged a hat-trick of tries and added several conversions as 14-man Kabras RFC triumphed 43-20 over Kenya Harlequin at the Kakamega Showground, securing a spot in the Enterprise Cup semifinals.
Despite being tested by Quins, Kabras maintained their unbeaten home record in the competition since 2018, when they last lost at the Forest to Impala. The two sides are set for a rematch next weekend in the Kenya Cup.
Kabras RFC dominance
Kabras started strongly, scoring off their first visit to the Quins’ 22. Barry Robinson sold a dummy before diving over for the opening try, which Sammy Omollo converted for a 7-0 lead.
Quins had a chance to respond, but Leon Nyang’s long-range penalty attempt went off target. Kabras soon stretched their lead after Walter Okoth’s well-placed cross-kick was claimed by Mathias Osimbo, who offloaded to fly-half Eric Cantona. He dashed over for a try under the posts, and Omollo’s conversion made it 14-0.
Kenya U20 star Faran Juma kept Quins in the game with two penalties after Kabras were penalized for offside, reducing the gap to 14-6.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- Follow us on Scrummage Africa FB
- The story of Moreen Muritu
- Kanyanya’s transition from rugby pitch to police beat
- Mbeche’s epic ride in push for Eye Care awareness
Momentum shifted when Jan Remke sliced through the Kabras defence for a long-range try, and after a successful conversion, Quins narrowed the score to 14-13. Kabras were then reduced to 14 men after Gabriel Adero was yellow-carded for repeated infringements.
Quins came out strong after the break, with Remke once again unlocking the Kabras defence for another try. Juma’s conversion saw Quins take a 20-14 lead.
However, Kabras responded swiftly. Continuity in play led to Cantona’s second try, which he converted himself to regain a 21-20 advantage. Moments later, he completed his hat-trick with a try in the corner, stretching the lead to 26-20.
Quins suffered a setback when a player was sent to the sin bin for a neck tackle, and soon after, Kabras’ George Nyambua was also yellow-carded, leaving both teams with 14 players. Moments later, Collins Indeche was shown a red card, reducing Kabras to 13 men.
Kabras RFC three tries
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Kabras maintained control. Youngster Roy Maruti sprinted downfield for a sensational try, and the successful conversion extended the lead to 33-20.
Eugene Sifuna then sealed the victory with back-to-back tries in the left and right corners, securing a convincing 43-20 win for Kabras.
