Big wins for KCB, Kabras as Kenya Cup resumes

Monate Akuei (right) of Top Fry Nakuru RFC battles for the ball with Andrew Amore of Nzoia Sugar Webuye RFC during the Top Fry Prinsloo sevens at Nakuru Athletics Club (NAC) on July 21, 2018. [Photo: Kipsang Joseph/Standard]

Nakuru RFC head coach Mitch Ocholla praised his charges’ display despite going down 36-21 to Kenya Harlequins at the RFUEA ground over the weekend.

In what was the first Kenya Cup tie of the year, Ocholla’s men trailed 24-14 at the break before a converted try by full-back Duncan Abuyeka after resumption provided them with some slim hopes.

They could, however, not maintain the tempo, allowing Quins to register their fourth win with 14 late points.

“Quins were basically superior and we have to go back to the drawing board and work on our weaknesses,” Ocholla said.

For the entire match, Nakuru’s scrum seemed to struggle against their Quins counterparts but Ocholla said that was not their downfall.

“A game is not only about scrumming. There are a lot of positive things which we did,” said Ocholla.

“We were able to stay in the game until the latter stages before we were out-muscled."

Meanwhile, Quins coach Charles Cardovillis was equally impressed after seeing his side kick off the year on a winning note.

“It was a good game. We were hungry for maximum points and I am happy to have won against a team that is also chasing a play-offs spot,” Cardovillis said.

In Kakamega, log leaders Kabras Sugar picked from where they left off last year with a convincing 41-5 win over Menengai Oilers.

The win consequently ensured the Henly Du Plessis coached side remains at the top of the standings after six rounds of matches.

Defending champions KCB kept the chase on the sugar millers as they mauled University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine 50-3 at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka.

Having gone two matches without a win, Nondescripts returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion as they left it late to stun Impala Saracens 22-21.

“We are on the right track although there is still some work that needs to be done. A win is always good in terms of boosting morale, so we shall take that and focus on the next match,” Nondies coach Willis Ojal said.