Kabras maintain unbeaten run as Wanyore finally win

Javan Otieno (center) of Nakuru RFC fights for possession against Kisumu RFC players during their Kenya Cup clash at Nakuru Athletics Club, Nakuru City, on February 15, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Defending champions Kabras Sugar's three-season-long unbeaten run continued after withstanding a spirited fight from Kenya Harlequin to win 43-22 in a Kenya Cup match played yesterday at RFUEA Grounds.

Eric Cantona gave Kabras the perfect start after scoring an unconverted try in the opening minute of the match for a 5-0 lead.

Minutes later, Patrick Lumumba added more pressure to the hosts with a second converted try for 12-0.

Sensing danger, Quins opted for a penalty instead of a scrum or line-out battle for their first three points. Faren Juma split the posts for 12-3.

Juma returned again with a second penalty that saw Quins cut the sugar miller's lead by half at 12-6.

The champions responded in style with their third try of the game scored by Kenya Cup top try scorer Griffin Chao for 17-6 after another failed conversion. The hosts had the final points of the half when Juma scored his third penalty of the match as Quins trailed 17-9 at the break.

Juma further cut Kabras's lead to 17-12 before captain George Nyambua restored the Millers' lead with a converted try.

Meanwhile, Nakuru RFC and Menengai Oilers won their respective Kenya Cup ties in Nakuru yesterday.

Nakuru RFC reduced their relegation worries after overcoming Kisumu RFC 32-22 at Nakuru Athletic Club while Oilers defeated Impala Saracens 56-3 at ASK Nakuru Showground.

"This good show is a morale booster for my playing unit as we are determined to escape relegation after this first game in our league matches," Nakuru RFC interim coach Donald Aluoch said.

Nakuru scored six tries through veteran Oscar Ouma, Felix Okoth, Fred Odongo and Edwin Makori.