Kenya Harlequin edge Blak Blad in clutch win
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 08.12.24. | 14:28
Kisumu RFC's misery continued after falling 137-7 to Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras RFC
Kenya Harlequin fended off a spirited late challenge to secure a 28-23 victory over Blak Blad in a thrilling 2 PM clash at the Impala Pavilion.
Quins were off to a flying start, with Charlton Mokua crossing the whitewash in the opening five minutes after a hard line off a lineout. Evin Asena added the extras to give the hosts an early 7-0 lead.
Blak Blad struck back swiftly through Archadius Khwesa, who broke a tackle and dashed clear for a try. Kelvin Gathu’s accurate conversion leveled the scores at 7-7.
Asena then guided Quins ahead with three penalties, taking advantage of their territorial dominance. Blak Blad missed an opportunity to close the gap, leaving Quins with a 16-7 lead.
The relentless Quins backline added to their tally when Leon Nyang exploited a gap to score near the corner, though Asena missed the conversion, making it 18-7.
Each side added a penalty before halftime, with Quins heading into the break leading 21-10.
Blak Blad emerged from the halftime huddle reinvigorated. After an early missed opportunity, Derrick Wechuli cut inside from the right wing and danced past three defenders to score. Enock Oduor converted, narrowing the gap to 21-17.
Blad missed a chance to take the lead when a knock-on was called just meters from the Quins’ line.
They did manage to cut the deficit further with a Daniel Oyoo penalty, bringing the score to 21-20.
Quins, reduced to 14 men, responded immediately with a try under the posts, restoring an eight-point cushion at 28-20.
However, Blak Blad capitalized on Quins’ second yellow card as Oyoo slotted another penalty to make it 28-23.
Blak Blad launched a relentless offensive in the closing stages, but Quins’ defense stood firm to clinch the win.
The game ended on a dramatic note as emotions ran high, leading to a scuffle involving players and technical staff from both sides after the final whistle.
Elsewhere in Kakamega, Kisumu RFC's misery continued after falling 137-7 to Kenya Cup defending champions Kabras RFC.
Kenya Cup newbies South Coast Pirates also failed to register a win against Impala RFC, going down 23-8.
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