Kabras RFC successfully defend Kenya Cup title

Kabras RFC defeated long-time rivals KCB RFC 19-9 in a Kenya Cup final played at the Kakamega Showground on Saturday 11.

Prior to the final stage, KCB RFC had only lost once to Kabras RFC while the hosts had a 100%-win rate. The Bankers were keen to get revenge by roaring past Kabras while the latter were looking to defend their title.

The last time these two sides faced off was in 2021 at the Nandi Bears Club with KCB RFC securing a victory over Kabras RFC. Last season, KCB RFC did not qualify for the finals stage after they were knocked out by Menengai Oilers.

Kabras RFC bagged the hosting rights for the fifth time in a row by virtue of being the highest-placed team on the log by the end of the season. They were seeking to stage a repeat of the 2016 and 2022 season when they won the Kenya Cup title.

The atmosphere was tense, with fans from both teams cheering, singing songs, and waving flags, as a result creating an electrifying atmosphere at the venue. It was almost impossible for a team to go past the opponent's defence.

The first half was cagey, with the visitors infringing once. That would cost them three points which Fijian Jone Kubu did not hesitate to collect. No tries were scored in the first half.

The game started opening up in the closing half, but KCB RFC once again infringed and this time it was Ntabeni Dukisa who picked the three points to bring the scores to 6-0. Kabras RFC then added three more points off the boots of Darwin Mukidza.

Three penalties from KCB RFC, all scored by Darwin Mukidza were enough to see the scores tie at 9-9. Kabras RFC would then break the tie after their powerful scrum dragged KCB RFC to their danger zone to come out with an additional seven points courtesy of a penalty try that saw the scores shoot to 16-9.

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Ntabeni Dukisa then slot in a penalty that extended the visitors' lead to 19-9. KCB RFC attempted a comeback but it was too late. The game ended 19-9 in favor of the Sugarmen.

The finals were curtain raised by the Western Region nationwide finals pitting Kibabii University and Sigalagala Technical Training Institute which the latter won 27-18.