Kabras Sugar school MMUST students in Kenya Cup match

KCB's Oliver Mang'eni (left) is tackled by Clinton Khasai of Strathmore Leos during a Kenya Cup match at KCB Sports Club on Saturday, Feb 27, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kabras Sugar RFC welcomed newbies Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST RFC) to the Kenya Cup with a 56-0 thrashing yesterday in a one-sided match at Kakamega Showground in Kakamega.

In Nairobi, KCB survived an early scare before beating Strathmore 24-16 while in Nakuru Oilers beat Kenya Harlequin 39-13.

In Kakamega, Kabras scored six first half tries and three in the second half as they kick started their Kenya Cup campaign on a high. 

Alfred Orege gave the Millers the lead in the third minute after touching down in the corner with Ntabeni Dukisa converting to make it 7-0.

Dukisa would then extend the lead to 10-0 with a well taken penalty between the posts before Jameson Musoga stretched the lead to 15-0 with an unconverted try. 

Walter Okoth combined with Dukisa for a 22-0 score after 20 minutes before captain Dan Sikuta, Felix Ayange and Brian Jumah crossed over for Kabras to take a comfortable 39-0 lead at the break. 

After the restart, the hosts picked up from where they left as scrum half Brian Tanga made it 44-0. Former Western Bulls player Teddy Akala touched down and Dukisa kicked between the posts for a 51-0 lead with 20 minutes to play. 

Kevin Wekesa would then seal the 56-0 win, a victory that will see them top the eight-team Kenya Cup standings. 

Speaking after the match, Kabras head coach Mzi Nyathi said he was glad with the bright start his boys made in the game. 

“We played well in the opening half in what was a very physical game but I am happy with the results. Now we move our focus to the upcoming trip to Nairobi which we want to win,” Nyathi said. 

In Nakuru, head coach Gibson Weru warned his boys not to celebrate as Menengai Oilers made a gallant start by hammering Kenya Harlequin 39-13 in their opening match of Kenya Cup League at ASK Nakuru Showground yesterday. 

“Winning the first match is a positive start but we have to maintain the tempo,” Weru said.

John Okoth (centre) of Nakuru Rfc battles for the ball with Stormy Odhiambo (right) Blak Blad during the Kenya cup match played at Nakuru athletics club on February 27, 2021. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

In Nairobi, KCB survived an early scare before edging out Strathmore Leos 24-16 in a tight match played at Ruaraka. 

KCB captain Curtis Lilako opened the scores with Shaban Ahmed converting making it 7-0 before Leos responded through Philomen Olang and Arnold Muita to tie the scores at 7-7.

Andrew Matoka would then split the posts with a brilliant penalty to hand Leos a 10-7 lead before Isaac Njoroge ensured KCB went to the break with a narrow 12-10 lead. 

In the second half, Leos retook the lead through Muita’s two quick-fire penalties for a 16-12 lead. KCB would however fight back through Geoffrey Okwach’s tries for a 24-16 win.

[Additional reporting by Ben Ahenda]