KCB Rugby secured their place in the Kenya Cup finals by defeating Menengai Oilers in the semi-final held at the KCB Sports Club, making a triumphant return to the finals.
The two sides had previously met this season, with KCB dominating and winning 62-15. However, Menengai Oilers were determined to repeat last year’s successful performance, which saw them secure a 24-17 victory and a place in the first ever Kenya Cup final.
KCB rugby chasing double
KCB had their sights set on a double over Oilers this season and were eager to return to the finals following last season’s disappointment.
They started the game with great intensity, and their vice captain Darwin Mukidza led from the front, scoring the first try in the corner. He later capitalized on a loose ball to score the second try, which he also converted, putting KCB in the lead with a score of 12-0.
The club’s captain, Curtis Lilako, then got on the scoresheet with the third try, firmly placing KCB in the driver’s seat.
Oilers managed to pull one back with a try off a maul, but Max Kangeri, making his first Kenya Cup appearance this season, sealed KCB’s first-half tries by charging past Oilers’ defence to score off a ruck, extending KCB’s lead to 26-5 after the successful conversion.
Oilers test KCB Rugby
Following the break, Menengai Oilers returned to the game with a renewed sense of determination and managed to score a try off a maul, which was converted, narrowing the scoreline to 26-12.
Geoffrey Ominde then added a penalty, bringing the score to 26-15. Although the Nakuru-based team came close when substitute Sam Onsumu beat the KCB defense and scored their third try, they couldn’t convert, leaving the scores at 26-20.
However, in the final minutes of the match, Samuel Asati scored a try for KCB, which was converted, extending their lead to 33-20. Michael Kimwele then scored the final try, securing KCB’s victory with a final score of 38-20.
KCB Rugby vs Oilers
1. Oscar Simiyu 2. Wilfred Waswa 3. Curtis Lilako 4. Elvis Olukusi 5. Davis Chenge 6. Andrew Amonde 7. Felix Ojow 8. Peter Waitere 9. Samuel Asati 10. Brian Wahinya 11. Jacob Ojee 12. Max Kangeri 13. Peter Kilonzo 14. Michael Kimwele 15. Darwin Mukidza
16. Griffin Musila 17. TJ Okidia 18. Nelson Nyandat 19. Brian Munyali 20. Steve Wamai 21. Michael Wanjala 22. Johnstone Olindi 23. Isaac Njoroge
Menengai Oilers vs KCB rugby
1.Edward Mwaura 2. Coleman Were 3. Destorious Ifedha 4.Ibrahim Ayoo, 5. Clinton Odhiambo, 6.Samuel Were 7. Brian Ndirangu 8. Chrispin Shitundo 9. Andrew Odero, 10. Geoffrey Ominde 11. Beldad Ogeta, 12. Johnstone Munga’u 13. Davis Otundo, 14. Steve Arunga , 15. Davis Nyaundi
16. Hillary Malweyi, 17. Francis Atiti, 18. Vincent Mwikali, 19. Eric Miheso, 20. Tom Maina, 21. Nickson Ochieng, 22. Sam Onsomu, 23.Tony Oketch
