Kenya Cup: Nondies stage last minute comeback to down Quins at RFUEA

Nondies RFC are through to the semifinals of the 2023/24 Kenya Cup season after seeing off Kenya Harlequin 26-20 in a closely contested match played on Saturday, 16 March at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

The side which was promoted to the Kenya Cup following the completion of the 2022/23 season has been in an outstanding form this season, and this match was a testament to their resilience and determination.

The win means that Nondies will face Kabras RFC in the first semifinal.

Despite being visitors, Nondies RFC struck first through Dominic Osino, with Nyaenya Moseti's kicking prowess confirming the lead for the side.

The Nondies were camping at Quins' red zone for the better part of the opening half. They continued to pile pressure on the Quins, causing them to infringe, and in the 25th minute, Albert Alela graced the naughty chair, reducing Quins to 14.

Quins then got back into the game in the closing minutes of the dying half to score two penalties thanks to Evin Asena.

The six points motivated them to go for more, this time scoring a five-pointer through Richel Wangila. Asena was sure with the conversion to see the scores rise to 13-7 at half time.

The pep time talk seemed to have an impact on the Quins who came back breathing fire to score through Meshack Tunnech. Asena added the extras to see the scores at 13-12.

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The Paul Murunga-coached side then played on, with swift passes that proved tiresome to their opponents. So closely contested was the match that at some point, it turned physical with players exchanging blows.

When normalcy returned, Quins went over with another try courtesy of Frank Aduda. The conversion attempt was successful to bring the scores to 20-12.

This saw the Nondies now fight tooth and nail to score. Minutes later, Fred Shisia managed an intercept, racing clear to score a try for Nondies. Nyaenya was sure with the conversion to bring the scores to a close 20-19.

At this point, Quins were in their half, and playing on advantage. Their opponents infringed, and the hosts had an option to go for the penalty kicks, but instead chose the scrum. Two scrum attempts failed, which would potentially turn the game around.

When Nondies finally broke through, they raced clear to score the game changing try through Steve Odhiambo. Nyaenya converted to send the crowd wild.

Meanwhile, at the Nakuru Showground, Menengai Oilers showed Kenyatta University's Blak Blad who is king after overpowering them 26-12. Oilers will tackle their foes KCB Rugby in the second semifinal.

2023/24 Kenya Cup semifinal pairings

Menengai Oilers vs KCB Rugby

Kabras RFC vs Nondies RFC