Enterprise Cup: Kabras juggernaut marches to final as Black Pirates upset Nondies

For the umpteenth time, Kabras Sugar RFC lived up to their juggernaut status after edging out Menengai Oilers 29-20 in a hard-fought Enterprise Cup semifinal clash played on Saturday, 11 April at the ASK Kakamega Showground.

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The victory marked the second time Kabras have beaten Oilers this season.

Despite enjoying an early territorial advantage, Kabras were slow out of the blocks, with Oilers capitalising on their first visit into the 22. Abutwalib Wesonga slotted in a penalty after 12 minutes to hand the visitors a 3-0 lead.

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Kabras, however, remained patient and repeatedly turned down kickable penalties in favour of attacking lineouts. Their persistence paid off in the 20th minute when David Bunduki dotted down for the opening try, with Jone Kubu converting for a 7-3 lead.

Momentum firmly swung in Kabras’ favour ten minutes later as Mathias Osimbo carved open space for Roy Maruti to score under the posts. Eric Cantona added the extras to stretch the lead to 14-3.

Oilers responded through Clarkson Keegan, who finished off a flowing move initiated by a Brian Achacha offload to cut the deficit. A missed drop goal attempt from Kubu kept the contest alive heading into the final minutes of the half.

But Kabras would have the final say before the break, with skipper Eugene Sifuna powering over for a try that Kubu converted, handing the hosts a 21-10 halftime advantage.

Kabras wasted no time after the restart, with Griffin Chao crossing over barely a minute into the second half, although the conversion attempt drifted wide.

Oilers continued to press, but Kabras extended their cushion in the 64th minute when Kubu slotted a penalty to make it 29-13.

Discipline then proved costly for Oilers, as Beldad Ogeta and Mike Okello were both shown yellow cards in quick succession, allowing Kabras to tighten their grip on the match.

Despite late pressure and a consolation try by Eric Ogutu, converted by Wesonga after the hooter, Oilers fell short as Kabras’ defence held firm to seal a 29-20 victory.

The result sees Kabras advance to yet another Enterprise Cup final, maintaining their impressive run in the competition.

Stanbic Black Pirates 20-17 Nondescripts RFC

Meanwhile in Uganda, Stanbic Black Pirates pulled off a major upset after defeating Nondescripts RFC 20-17 in a tense semifinal clash.

The match was evenly poised at 10-10 at halftime, but the Pirates found another gear in the second half. Scrum-half Conrad Wanyama crossed over for a crucial try, while captain Frank Kidega led from the front in a spirited comeback.

Impact off the bench proved decisive, with Samuel Lubwama, Mubarak Wandera, and Pius Ojeabuu all making significant contributions as the Ugandan side stunned the record Kenya Cup champions.

The result sets up a highly anticipated Enterprise Cup final between Kabras Sugar and Stanbic Black Pirates, scheduled for Saturday, 30 April in Nairobi.