Ashiundu, Ogeta lead try scoring list after week one action

Kabras RFC's winger Derrick Ashihundu leads the Kenya Cup try-scoring charts after the 2023/24 Kenya Cup week one action.

The Kenya Simbas' winger scored four tries in Saturday’s 72-10 home win over Kisumu at the Kakamega Showground.

He was making his maiden Kenya Cup appearance since March 2022 having sustained an injury during the 2022 National Sevens Circuit against Daystar Falcons in the final leg which was held in Kakamega.

Weru elated with Elkeans Musonye's weekend Kenya Cup performance

He made his return to action in the sevens circuit in the Tisap 7s in Eldoret after a length layoff.

"The last time I played Kenya Cup was against Oilers in the final at the Bullring where we emerged victorious. I think the good performance was due to the good preparations we had going into the game. I took every opportunity I had and utilized it for the better of the team,” Ashihundu told the club’s media.

The fleet-footed Ashiundu also noted that he craved Kenya Cup action during his absence. He could not be part of the action when his side went on to win and retain their Kenya Cup title.

“I missed playing Kenya Cup so much. Watching an entire season start and come to an end on the sidelines didn’t sit well with me. I always wished to come back and play. Winning the first game convincingly has given us momentum to thrive on. The bar has been set high meaning the standards should be maintained throughout the season,” he averred.

As the season enters week two, the speedster is hopeful to navigate it injury-free, allowing him to propel Kabras RFC to greater heights.

“I expect and pray to have an injury-free season, to show up fully for the club every time I’m required to, win all games, and of course to retain the trophy once more,” he concluded.

Other six players, namely Austin Sikutwa (KCB Rugby), Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers), Javan Otieno (Nakuru), Laban Kipsang (Kenya Harlequin), Patrick Mwakina (Homeboyz) and Reinhard Mwalati (Kabras Sugar) are joint second on two tries each.

Another 35 players are on one try each after the opening weekend which saw a total of 51 tries scored across the six matches.

Meanwhile, Shujaa speedster Patrick Odongo is one of three players tied for joint top try scorer after the opening round of the second-tier KRU Championship.

Odongo scored twice in Daystar Falcons' 34-5 win over Mombasa, and he is joined by the Impala duo of Brian Ochieng and Quinto Ongo who each landed a brace in their team’s 39-5 win over USIU Martials.

Another 12 players are on one try each on a match day that saw 18 tries scored in the Championship.

Kenya Cup Leading Try Scorers | Match Day 1 | Saturday 2 December 2023

4- Derrick Ashihundu | Kabras Sugar

2- Austin Sikutwa | KCB

2- Beldad Ogeta | Menengai Oilers

2- Javan Otieno | Nakuru

2- Laban Kipsang | Kenya Harlequin

2- Patrick Mwakina |Homeboyz

2- Reinhard Mwalati | Kabras Sugar

KRU Championship

2- Patrick Odongo | Daystar Falcons

2- Brian Ochieng | Impala

2- Quinto Ongo | Impala