Defending champions Menengai Oilers once again proved to be a tricky opponent for KCB Rugby, eliminating them from the Impala Floodlit Cup following a dramatic come-from-behind 16-13 win at the Impala Club to reach the semifinals.
This was a repeat of last season’s Kenya Cup semi-final, which also saw KCB fall to Oilers after a 31-8 loss. Heading into this year’s Floodlit, Oilers were defending champions, having beaten Impala 42-3 in last year’s one-sided final.
Menengai Oilers lead
For KCB, this was a chance to redeem themselves after missing out on the semifinals last season following a shock defeat to Blak Blad. They were also seeking to end a 15s campaign that saw them go trophyless.
Oilers started brighter as the heavens opened leaving the surface slippery and they opted to go for points early on, Timothy Omela slotting in a penalty for a 3-0 lead. KCB responded in the 10th minute with a penalty to level the scores at 3-3.
The Bankers then took the lead when a well-placed kick by Brian Wahinya was grounded by William Opaka for a converted try to make it 10-3. Oilers narrowed the gap through another penalty, but their late first-half push for a try was denied after KCB’s defence held firm despite repeated infringements in the red zone.
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The second half remained cagey, with both sides trading possession and territory. KCB managed to extend their lead with a penalty to go 13-6 up heading into the closing stages.
However, Oilers kept their composure and built up patiently before scoring a try under the posts following several pick-and-drives. Full back Abutwalib Wesonga converted to level the scores at 13-13.
After the restart, Oilers continued to press for a winner and were rewarded with a late penalty, which Wesonga expertly slotted in, the ball brushing off the upright and sailing through, to hand Oilers a 16-13 victory and a spot in the semifinals.
MENENGAI OILERS 2025 FLOODLIT SQUAD
-
Victor Were
-
Celestine Mboi
-
Vincent Mwikali
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Ibrahim Ayoo – c
-
Charles Osgood
-
Jadah Abdon
-
Amos Obae – cc
-
Samuel Were
-
Andrew Odero
-
Samson Onsomu
-
Beidad Ogeta
-
Samuel Owamu
-
John Okoth
-
Timothy Omela
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Abutwalib Wesonga
RESERVES
16. Fortune Aturo
17. Bruce Endovo
18. Byron Cornel
19. Wallace Onyango
20. Elkeans Musonye
21. Samuel Mwaura
22. Denis Abukuse
23. Philip Okeyo
COACH: Gibson Weru
