Quins fight back Nondies

• Champions rallied from 0-10 down before the breather to end game 23-18

Kenya Harlequin rallied from 0-10 down to narrowly beat Nondescripts RUFC 23-18 at the Jamhuri Park as the Kenya Cup rugby league kicked off on Sunday. The defending champions tied 10-10 at half time.

In Nakuru, the hosts defeated Mwamba RFC 28-8 while Impala overran Strathmore University 27-7 at Impala Club. Kenya Commercial Bank also beat Mean Machine 34-14 at the KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka.

At Jamhuri, a late surge by Quins saw them overcome a stubborn Nondies who raced to a 10-0 lead after 22 minutes. Alex Mutune and Jeremy Matata scored a try each for Nondies.

But Quins clawed back after Jude Thumbi put over a penalty in the 24th minute before Jeff Ojwach powered over near the posts. Thumbi converted to tie 10-10 at the break.

Substitute Gray Cullin broke the deadlock for Nondies to regain the lead 15-10.

Again, Thumbi narrowed the gap with his second penalty in the 52nd. Nondies had a close shave in the 60th after their ‘import’ from Impala, Naftaly Bondo, chipped over the advancing backs, but his ‘try’ was denied by referee Godwin Karuga.

The scrum-half was too slippery for the Nondie’s backrow. He set up a try for Leslie Libasia near the posts and Thumbi converted for the lead to change hands 15-20.

Thumbi kicked over his second penalty to stretch the lead 15-23. A late penalty by substitute Kanyi Gitonga earned Nondies a bonus point.

Nakuru RFC led 7-3 at half time before pulling away in the second to win 28-8 against Mwamba. Hezborn Matayo scored the only try for Mwamba with Kevin Wambua adding a penalty.

The hosts replied with a try each by Edwin Makori, Ben Kamau, Davis Ngige, John ‘Che’ Ikongo and Simon Wariuki. Dan Glover put over a conversion and Wariuki two.

Duncan Ekasi scored two tries while Nato Simiyu, Moses Kola and Felix Makori added one each and Kola and Makori kicked over one conversion each. Strathmore University who trailed 7-12 at half time replied with a converted penalty try.

Crickson Matsili and Collins Omae scored one try each to help Quins II Quins II complete a double against Nondies II, winning 10-0 in the Eric Shirley Shield.