Administration Police finally broke their playoff curse after edging Kabarak University 19-17 to secure promotion to the KRU Championship.
The Warriors, who had suffered heartbreak in previous campaigns, staged a spirited comeback after trailing 11-6 at halftime to book their place in next season’s second tier competition.
A cagey opening half saw Kabarak take control early through a penalty before Aden Noor crossed over for the game’s opening try. Ephraim Paipai responded with two successive penalties to keep Administration Police within reach.
Noor would add another penalty late in the half as Kabarak carried an 11-6 advantage into the break.
The university side extended their lead moments into the second half when Noor slotted another penalty to make it 13-6. Paipai responded once again from the tee to keep AP in touching distance before Noor added yet another three-pointer to stretch the gap further.
Paipai, however, remained reliable with the boot and narrowed the deficit to 17-12 heading into the closing stages. Administration Police would finally seize momentum when Brian Caleb crossed for a crucial try, handing the side their first lead of the match. Paipai added the extras as AP held on for a dramatic 19-17 victory.
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Meanwhile in Ruiru, Kenya Prisons also sealed promotion to the KRU Championship after edging Sigalagala National Polytechnic 25-23 in another tense playoff clash.
It was another painful ending for Sigalagala, who had looked on course for promotion after taking a 15-5 halftime lead. Kenya Prisons mounted a strong second-half comeback to overturn the deficit and snatch victory in the dying stages.
Kenya Prisons and Administration Police will now replace Western Bulls and USIU in the KRU Championship next season.
