Impala beat Homeboyz to return to winning ways

Oscar Simiyu of KCB dives for a try in their Kenya Cup match against Menengai Oilers at RFUEA grounds on Nov 17, 2018 [PHOTO: Jonah Onyango]

KCB handed Kabras Sugar a 44-20 drubbing in a Kenya Cup round 11 match played at the Impala grounds yesterday.

It was the first loss of the 2018-19 campaign for Kabras, who were on a 10-match winning run. 

Kabras were first to threaten and their early efforts paid off with Philip Wokorach slotting home a penalty.

The sugar millers would then be dealt a numerical blow as loose forward George Nyambua was sin-binned.

KCB began to assert themselves and they managed to draw level courtesy of Darwin Mukidza’s penalty.

Kabras restored their advantage soon afterwards, with Ephraim Oduor scoring an unconverted try off a maul.

Mukidza put KCB to within touching distance with his second penalty before KCB centre Brian Otieno was temporarily dismissed.

Michael Wanjala then set up Oscar Simiyu for KCB’s first try. Mukidza added the extras to give the bankers a 13-8 lead.

Mukidza returned to the score sheet with a penalty before Mario Wilson’s unconverted try saw KCB lead 16-13 at halftime. Four minutes into the second half, Wanjala sliced through the Kabras defence before scoring a converted try between the sticks.

Kabras responded as Philip Wokorach converted Ephraim Oduor’s try before KCB stretched their advantage through Brian Omondi’s try which was converted by Moseti.

Substitute Nelson Nyandat and Brian Nyikuli would put the icing on the cake for KCB with two converted tries. 

Meanwhile, Impala Saracens beat Homeboyz 36-27 in the day’s early match. “It is a match we should have won only that some calls by the referee were dubious,” Homeboyz coach Simon Odingo said.

Impala took a 3-0 lead through Samuel Oliech’s second-minute penalty. Oliech would then turn provider as he set up Anthony Nyandigisi for a try which was converted.

A quickly taken penalty saw Leon Adongo reduce the deficit for Homeboyz but Ervin Asena’s conversion attempt hit the upright. Oliech bagged another three-pointer before Impala were awarded a penalty try, stretching their lead to 20-5.

The sides would then trade penalties on the stroke of half time as the Deejays trailed 23-8 at the break. Upon resumption, Xavier Kipng’etich compounded Homeboyz’ miseries as he scored two quick penalties.

After camping in Homeboyz’ territory, Impala scored a converted try through Davis Makori before Homeboyz hit back as Mohammed Omollo converted Maxwell Kang’eri’s try. Homeboyz were awarded a penalty try before Asena scored a late try as Impala held on to seal the win.

Four tries, three conversions and a penalty was all Nakuru RFC needed to beat Mwamba RFC 29-15 to record their second victory in a Kenya Cup match at Nakuru Athletic Club yesterday.

Mwamba Head Coach Louis Kisia said: “We made silly mistakes and my charges failed to follow instructions, which led to the loss.”

For the second time, Oscar Ouma was instrumental as did international speedster Collins Injera who made two tries for Mwamba.

Nakuru led 12-5 at the break with two tries from Duncan Abuyeka and Charles Odongo while Abuyeka returned the conversion. Tony Owuor touched down for the losers.

In the second half, the visitors started with a fast pace that resulted saw Injera touch down as Elvis Amusasi missed the conversion for 12-10.

Geoffrey Ominde then scored a penalty, then a try from Walter Okoth and a conversion from Ominde for a 22-10 lead while Ouma widened the lead. Ouma increased the tally while Ominde was on the mark with a classic conversion.