Rugby: Mean Machine win Varsity League title

Mean Machine's James Kang'ethe of UON is tackled by Ryan Onyango of Kenyatta University player during rugby league final at UoN Grounds on Saturday Oct 27, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

University of Nairobi’s (UoN) Mean Machine were crowned Varsity League champions after overcoming Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 15-12 in a pulsating final at the UoN grounds yesterday.

With scores tied at 12 deep into the second half, Machine were awarded a penalty which full back Festus Shiasi converted to hand his side the title of the inaugural Varsity League. 

Playing in front of a home crowd, Machine squandered a chance to take an early lead after Festus Shiasi sent his penalty kick off target from close range.

After two failed attempts, Blak Blad’s Ajeliti Lionel split the posts with a penalty to hand his side a 3-0 lead.

Machine found a response when loose forward Aron Otieno collected the ball from a line out before powering his way over the whitewash for a try which Shiasi failed to convert.

Ajeliti then converted another penalty 15 minutes to the break before adding a drop goal to hand his side a three-point advantage.

Moments later, Blak Blad winger Ryan Ario made a try and denied a chance James Kang’ethe who had found himself with huge space in the right flank.

Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the first half, the University of Nairobi side failed to create clear chances as they went to the break trailing 6-9.

After resumption, an infringement by Black Blad saw Machine receive a penalty try to take a 12-9 lead.

Blak Blad then drew level through Ajeliti’s penalty and just when the match was certain to head to extra time, Asina booted a penalty from 40 metres to seal the win for the hosts.