MMUST relegated as Nondies storm into Kenya Cup playoffs with dominant win

Nondies RFC emphatically sealed their place in the Kenya Cup playoffs after dismantling Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby 50-7 in a rescheduled fixture played on Saturday, 28 March at the Ngong Racecourse.

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The clash, initially slated for Saturday, 7 March, was pushed forward due to adverse weather conditions and proved decisive at both ends of the table.

While Nondies celebrated a statement victory, the result confirmed MMUST’s relegation to the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship after just one season in the top tier.

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Nondies, popularly known as the Red Lions, wasted no time asserting their dominance. Fullback Ronnie Omondi opened the scoring with a well-engendered try, and Kelvin Sheunda calmly slotted the conversion to hand the hosts an early 7-0 lead.

With conditions easing, Nondies grew in confidence and rhythm. Victor Rolena soon crossed over for the second try, with Sheunda once again adding the extras to stretch the lead to 14-0.

A temporary setback followed when Hillary Raraya was sent to the sin bin, handing MMUST a numerical advantage. The Kakamega-based side capitalised through Veron Kaburu, who touched down for their only try of the match. Harian Otigo converted, narrowing the deficit to 14-7.

However, that would be as good as it got for the visitors.

Nondies regained control before the break, with Fidens Tony and Ian Mumbwani each crossing over in quick succession to give the hosts a comfortable 24-7 lead at halftime.

The second half was a one-sided affair despite early disciplinary issues for the hosts. Boniface Amimo was yellow-carded shortly after the restart, but even with 14 men, Nondies extended their lead through Frank Mutuku, with Sheunda maintaining his accuracy off the tee.

MMUST’s woes were compounded when Emmanuel Sakwa was also sent to the sin bin. Nondies immediately punished the lapse, with Omondi grabbing his second try of the day, although the conversion attempt drifted wide.

Victor Rogena then put the result beyond doubt, bagging a late brace, both converted by Sheunda, to cap off a commanding 50-7 victory.

The result not only underlined Nondies’ playoff credentials but also highlighted the gulf between the two sides, as MMUST’s brief stay in the Kenya Cup came to an end.

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Elsewhere, Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad solidified their playoff spot with a hard-fought 20-8 victory over Impala RFC, rounding off a dramatic end to the regular season.