KCB thump sorry Harlequins as Kenya Cup kicks off

KCB RFC kicked off their Kenya Cup campaign on a high, registering a 38-0 clean sheet win over Kenya Harlequins at the Ruaraka Grounds on Saturday, 26th November 2022.

Paul Murunga’s charges headed to this clash full of confidence following a 35-24 win over Kabras RFC in a recent friendly, while KCB RFC were fresh from being crowned Impala Floodlights champions.

Darwin Mukidza put the Bankers ahead with the first try of the game which Isaac Njoroge converted for a 7-0 lead. Minutes later, Felix Ojoo scored another five-pointer for the hosts to see them lead at 12-0.

Quins attempted a comeback through David Ambunya who attempted to give his team the lead with a strong run that helped the Quins achieve the necessary distance. The hosts would also be fined for an infraction, but Quins' effort to score their first three points was unsuccessful.

Elphas Adunga then broke out, scoring the second try for the Bankers to secure a 12-0 advantage. However, the conversion was off.

Oscar Simiyu danced past the hosts' defense after the breakdown to score the game's first try. With the additional points, Njoroge increased the score to 19-0.

The referee sounded the halftime whistle, ending the cagey first half at 19-0, despite KCB RFC's best efforts to score one more try before the break.

In the second half, a flying Elphas Adunga scored his second try of the game, which was also the Bankers' bonus point try. Isaac Njoroge's conversion attempt failed to reach the goal posts.

Minutes later, Jacob Ojee, a former Kenya Sevens captain, startled the guests with a five-pointer that Isaac Njoroge converted.

David Chenge scored his final try of the game in the final minutes of the second half. Darwin Mukidza scored a conversion to make it 31-0 and end the fiercely contested game.

The following weekend will see Curtis Olago's men take on Masinde Muliro University, while Monks Quins play Menengai Oilers in Nakuru.

Elsewhere in Nakuru, Menengai Oilers heaped a 72-6 misery on the powerless Mean Machine.

Kenya Cup week 1 results

Homeboyz RFC 19-13 Mwamba RFC

Kabras RFC 40-13 Monks

Blak Blad 34-8 Nakuru RFC

Menengai Oilers 72-6 Machine

KCB RFC 38-0 Kenya Harlequins

Strathmore Leos 23-21 MMUST