A 45-33 loss at the hands of Boland Cavaliers in Wellington, Western cape marked Kenya Simbas’ fourth loss in the Currie Cup Tournament.
The loss leaves the Simbas ninth on the log as attention shifts to the next two legs that will be hosted in Nairobi.
An early exchange would see both teams trade tries at both ends before a short clearance from Kenya Simbas allowed Boland’s backs to run in their second, an offload at the wing catching the Simbas unaware to stretch their lead to 14-7. Kenya pulled back a try in the corner ten minutes later, Andrew Matoka missing the extras to cut the deficit to just two points.
Eugine Sifuna scored next for Kenya, Matoka converting the resulting conversion for a 19-14 lead. Another kick from deep in the Simbas territory landed in the hands of Bolland backs who were threatening at every opportunity. The resulting pressure would see Simbas’ scrumhalf Samuel Asati sent to the bins for an infringement in the ruck. Boland would immediately capitalise on the numerical advantage score the equalising try to make matters 19-19 at the half time whistle.
The home team was quick off the blocks in the second half as the Boland backs utilised their blistering speed to score in the opening minute to make the scores 26-19 before Asati could make his way back to the field to restore Simbas back to their full compliment.
Vincent Onyala would pull Kenya level with a try under the uprights to before the game took a long break as the medical team attended to an injured Bolland player. The home team then hit back twice in quick succession after the resumption, the backs doing all the damage as they extended their lead to 40-26.
Boland would score a try before Thomas Okeyo Ongera replied for Kenya in added time for a 45-33 full time score.
Kenya Simbas squad 1. Patrick Ouko, 2. Eugene Sifuna, 3. Ephraim Oduor, 4. Thomas Ongera, 5. Brian Juma, 6. George Nyambua, 7. Daniel Sikuta, 8. Bethuel Anami, 9. Samuel Asati, 10. Brian Wahinya, 11. Beldad Ogeta, 12. John Okoth, 13. Vincent Onyala, 14. Derrick Ashihundu, 15. Andrew Matoka.
Reserves: 16. Colman Were, 17. Edward Mwaura, 18. Joseph Nyagol, 19. Clinton Odhiambo, 20. Chrispine Shitundo, 21. Brian Tanga, 22. Geoffrey Ominde, 23. Peter Kilonzo
