Mwamba held as Watamu rugby action starts

Watamu beach rugby Malindi Lions and Mwamba RFC players in action as the Watamu rugby festival started yesterday in Papa Remo Beach in Malindi. PHOTO: JOHN LAWRENCE

The second edition of the Watamu rugby festival kicked off yesterday with action packed show at Papa Remo Beach. The tourney had 8 teams divided into two pools.

In the first match of Pool A, Malindi Lions held Mwamba RFC to a 5-5 draw. Mwamba’s Jerry Ateri scored the first try on the second minute, but his celebrations were short-lived when Malindi immediately responded through Simba Aaron.

Attempts by Hyke Otieno to break through Malindi’s solid defence bore no fruits and instead the Nairobi outfit found it hard to stop the local boys in the second half.

Mwamba, who were seen as favourites had to share spoils with the little known Lions.

“I have been recovering from an injury, so I took time with Mwamba juniors to help me get back to shape ahead of the circuit,” said Otieno, who is a key member of Mwamba RFC’s senior team.

Eastlanders Select were left in shock and disbelief when Kilifi Sharks beat them 15-5. Tommy Fisi, Bonoko Jilami and Atema Lawrence were on target for the hosts Kilifi Sharks while Philip Lukale’s solitary try served as a last minute consolation for Eastlanders Select.

However, the day’s main action was provided by pool B.

The group of death had Nairobi’s newest kid, Eastlanders Rugby Club, Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), South Coast Pirates and locals favourite, Malindi Beasts.

When Eastlanders took to the beach, they were met by a rude shock.

The newly formed outfit was given a run for their money by a youthful TUM who repelled almost every attempt from their Nairobi opponents.

Eastlanders needed three minutes to cross the try line through Dan Wanangwe’s solitary run thanks to a blunder by TUM’s defence.

The college boys would find joy in the second half from Edgar Mbaru who pushed through to save face at the dying minutes of the game.