Masaku claim Watamu Beach rugby tourney cup

Masaku rugby team proved strong enough to win the Watamu 5-a-side beach rugby Main Cup after dismissing Mombasa Technical University (MTU) in the final at the Garoda Beach Resort in Kilifi County last evening.

It was a nail-biting final watched by thousands of fans who included Kilifi County governor Amason Kingi as Masaku tore apart the university to win the match 20-5.

Both teams looked set for the final showdown but it was Samuel Muregi who sneaked between the university backs to make a try before Kevin Macharia added another for a 10-0 lead at half time.

Macharia added the third before Kevin Omondi reduced the arrears. Macharia completed his hat-trick to raise the score to 20-5 at the final whistle  to become top scorer with 10 tries alongside Joakim Mwasi of Taita Taveta’s Shaxx team.

Enroute to the final, Masaku whitewashed Gede of Watamu 35-0 with Dennis Oyombe scoring four tries, Macharia two, while Muregi had one. In other semi, MTU hit Malindi 25-5.

In the event co-sponsored by Standard Group Limited and Airtel among others, Sharks hit Watamu 20-0 to lift the Shield Cup. Stephen Jilani touched down twice while Chris Ngari and Lukas Irungu had a try each.

In bowl final,  Shaxx emerged victorious after beating Sultans 25-15 where Mwasi scored a hat-trick with Dennis Kirui adding another try. In plate, Malindi were declared the new champions after dismissing Gede 15-5 in a tight final.

In an exhibition match between a combined team of the media and Airtel and the Kilifi County Assembly, the former scored a try to sink the County team led by Governor Amos Kingi. Tony Kwalanda of K24 received a nice and well-calculated pass from Standard Group's Ernest Ndunda to make a try and lead his side to a 5-0 win.