It’s a close shave for Nakuru and Strathmore Leos
Strathmore University’s Billy Odhiambo in full flight during their Kenya Cup league match against Blak Blad at the University of Nairobi ground on November 15, 2014. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- Having crushed debutants Catholic University 112-6 last weekend, Nakuru struggled to beat newcomers Kabras Sugar 13-10 in Kakamega.
- On Friday night at Impala Club, the hosts recovered from the opening day 29-40 defeat to Mwamba to spank Homeboyz 45-7 to provisionally go top of the table six points.
- Impala touched down five tries in their mauling of Homeboyz.
Defending champions Nakuru and Strathmore Leos on Saturday weathered a heavy storm to win their second Kenya Cup Rugby League matches at the Kakamega High School and University of Nairobi grounds respectively.
Having crushed debutants Catholic University 112-6 last weekend, Nakuru struggled to beat newcomers Kabras Sugar 13-10 in Kakamega.
In the varsities derby, Strathmore, 45-0 winners over Mombasa Sports Club last weekend, rallied from behind to beat Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 35-15.
On Friday night at Impala Club, the hosts recovered from the opening day 29-40 defeat to Mwamba to spank Homeboyz 45-7 to provisionally go top of the table six points.
Nakuru scored one try through eight man Martin Owila and two penalties from fly-half Allan Odiyo and Khan Teel. Kabras Sugar scored two tries through Nick Barasa and Habil Malik.
Strathmore managed five tries that were all converted by former international Ken Andola while Blak Blad replied with two tries, a conversion and a penalty.
Flanker Brian Nyikuli, fly-half Marvin Sumba, full-back Tony Onyango, centres Samuel Mutari and Billy Odhiambo scored tries for Strathmore while flanker Steven Odhiambo and fly-half Felix Juma scored a try each for Blak Blad as Juma converted both.
“It was a bit scrappy but we came in strong in the second half,” said Andola. “There was nothing spectacular despite converting all the tries since its my duty to complete the job.”
Impala touched down five tries in their mauling of Homeboyz.
After a 20 minute stalemate, Owila put Nakuru ahead when he out sprinted a strong backline comprising of Ugandans Cyrus Watum and Charles Uhuru for a try which Odiyo converted.
MAIN CULPRITS
Still smarting from their 3-13 loss to Kenya Commercial Bank last weekend, Kabras created many chance but sluggish finishing was their undoing with second centre Nick Barasa and scrum half Oscar Okaron the main culprits.
“It was a tough match given that we were playing a team that we did not know. My attackers tried their best but we could not widen the margin. Our opponents were equally strong,” said Nakuru head coach Dominic Habimana.
Kabras stand-in-coach Anthony Ogot conceded defeat saying that they played against a very strong and experienced side. “We are learning from our mistakes and we shall rectify them as the league builds up,” said Ogot.
