Oilers pip Nakuru to move top as Quins, Blak Blad shine

Andrew Odera (with the ball) of Menengai Oilers battles with Kelvin Kabole of Top Fry Nakuru RFC during the Kenya Cup Match at Nakuru ASK grounds on March 13, 2021. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Menengai Oilers moved top of the Kenya Cup standings after a narrow 21-20 win over Nakuru RFC in the Nakuru Derby staged at Moi Grounds on Saturday.

Oilers landed in two tries, three penalties and a conversion to win while Nakuru RFC had three tries, a conversion and a penalty.

The win saw them leapfrog Kabras Sugar and KCB to top the standings with 11 points.

In Nairobi, Kenya Harlequin and Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad registered their first wins of the season after winning their Kenya Cup round three matches at Impala Club.

Brian Waraba crossed over the whitewash twice as Kenya Harlequin edged out Impala Saracens 27-20. In the early kick-off match, Blak Blad stunned Mwamba RFC 24-17.

Desperate for their first win of the season following back-to-back losses to Menengai Oilers and KCB, Quins head into the match looking to redeem themselves.

Derick Kiyoga (right) of Menengai Oilers battles with Derrick Ashiundu of Western Bulls during the Kenya cup match played at Nakuru Ask show ground on February 1, 2020. [Photo:Kipsang Joseph/Standard]

The hosts were quick off the blocks with Kevin Angote making a try that was converted by Ervin Asena.

Impala cut the deficit through a penalty by debutant Martin Juma before Eric Kerre delivered Impala’s first try of the match which was converted by Juma for a 10-7 lead at the break.

Quins recaptured the lead at the start of the second half through Brian Waraba before Edmund Anya responded with an unconverted try.