Menengai Oilers delivered a dominant 60-15 victory over Buffaloes at the ASK Nakuru Showground in the cross-border Enterprise Cup quarter-final clash to reach the semis.
Despite a solid defensive effort from the Ugandan side in the opening exchanges, Oilers eventually broke through from a lineout, executing a well-driven rolling maul that saw Destrious Ifedha cross over for the opening try.
The conversion attempt by Abutwalib Wesonga drifted wide, but the hosts had signalled intent.
Menengai Oilers shift
The hosts quickly shifted gears, with Alvin Khavoli slicing through the Buffaloes’ defensive line in the 10th minute to extend the lead. Wesonga added the extras to make it 12-0. Relentless pressure and quick ball movement kept the Buffaloes pinned in their half, and Brian Achacha capitalised with a powerful finish after beating multiple defenders. The successful conversion stretched the lead to 19-0 inside the opening quarter.
Wallace Onyango then capped off a fluid attacking sequence, touching down as Oilers continued to dominate possession and territory. Wesonga’s boot pushed the score to 26-0, before Philip Okeyo added another try to send the hosts into a commanding 31-0 lead.
Buffaloes managed to get on the scoreboard through a penalty after sustained pressure, reducing the deficit to 31-3. Another successful kick by Yassin Waswa shortly after made it 31-6, offering a glimpse of a comeback. However, Oilers quickly shut that door. Achacha completed his brace with an impressive run across the field, finishing on the opposite wing to push the score to 36-6 heading into the break.
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The second half began much like the first ended, Oilers in full control. Khavoli turned provider and finisher, linking up effectively with Wesonga to score two quick tries in succession, both converted, extending the lead to 50-6.
Buffaloes relied on penalty kicks to keep the scoreboard ticking, adding two more to narrow the margin slightly to 50-12, but they struggled to match Oilers’ intensity in open play. A turnover deep in Buffaloes’ territory allowed Beldad Ogeto to dot down on the left wing, further punishing the visitors making scores 55-12.
Oilers were briefly reduced to 14 men following a yellow card to Lucky Onyango, and Buffaloes capitalized with a converted try to make it 55-15. But even a man down, Oilers remained in control. Philip Okeyo sealed the emphatic win with the final try of the match, though the conversion was missed, bringing the contest to a close at 60-15.
