KCB stun Kenya Harlequins to reach Enterprise Cup final

KCB's Davis Chenge (left) and Jan Remke of Kenya Harlequin during Enterprise Cup match at KCB Sports club. June 1, 2024. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Five-time Enterprise Cup champions KCB RFC cruised 32-18 past a resilient Kenya Harlequins side in a riveting semi-final clash at the den to book a slot in next weekend’s final.

Quins, under coach Paul Murunga started the match on the right footing, scoring two tries in quick succession and a penalty to bring the scores to 15-0 in the early stages of the match.

KCB responded with a try by teenage sensation Michael Wamalwa who gave them a lifeline after scoring an excellent try, Elvis Namusasi added the extras and the scores stood at 7-15. Utility back Darwin Mukidza added another try just before the interval, Namusasi who had his kicking boots on added the extras.

The match was closely contested in the first half but KCB had the upper-hand at the halftime break, leading 17-15 after Elvis Namusasi’s penalty kick to earn the bankers three points.

Peter Kilonzo was replaced in the first half after picking up a knock while Austin Sikutwa came off the bench injecting the much-needed pace to the game. He scored two wonderful tries for the Curtis Olago-led outfit to take the scores to 29-18, far from Quin’s reach.

Speaking after the game, Backs Coach Mariko Mshila lauded the boys for a job well done but called for improvement ahead of next weekend’s final at the RFUEA Grounds against sugar millers Kabras, who won 54-8 over Nondescripts.

“It has been two weeks before we played a match and I could not be prouder of the team for executing our game plan. The boys looked a bit rusty but we will embark on a rigorous training next week ahead of the showdown. I am optimistic that we will take a stab on the sixth title and win it,” said Mshila.

The Ruaraka-based side has won the Enterprise Cup five times – in 2004, 2007, 2014/15, 2015/16, and 2016/17.