Rugby: MMUST and Machine roar on as USIU Martials lose in Mombasa

MMUST RFC's Samuel Mbeche(left) in action against Strathmore Leos. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST RFC) bounced back to winning ways with a 26-12 victory over Northern Suburbs to retain their second-place position, eight points behind KRU Championship leaders Strathmore Leos.

Felix Wamocho landed a first half brace before Samuel Mbeche added a third for a comfortable 21-0 lead at the break with Tyson Juma adding the extras.

Wilson Juma trimmed the gap with a try for Suburbs and Alton Mudaka added another converted try but it was the visitors who emerged on top after Gibson Perez dotted the bonus point try as the Kakmega-based students bagged their seventh win of the campaign.

MMUST captain Samuel Mbeche lauded his teammates for responding positively after last weekend's loss to Strathmore in Kakamega.

“We needed this win and I am glad the team did not give up after the disappointing loss against Leos at home. We were aggressive and clinical from the start and I think that helped.”

“We are now going back to train even harder and build on this win so that we don’t suffer any more defeats. Our aim remains to finish among the top two teams and avoid the quarterfinal playoffs,” he said.

Strathmore Leos, however, maintained their eight-point lead at the helm of the standings after enjoying an easy 24-0 walkover after Kisii RFC failed to turn up at Madaraka Grounds.

Former Kenya Cup side Mean Machine made it two wins in a row with a comfortable 33-9 victory over University of Eldoret Trojans to maintain their third spot.

In Mombasa, South Coast Pirates edged out United States International University-Africa 17-10.