Rugby Super Series: Lions off to positive start as Buffaloes stumble
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 04.05.24. | 22:01
Rugby Super Series action moves to Nakuru next weekend
Rugby Super Series team, The Lions, under the coaching of Oliver Mangeni, began their title hunt on a high note, defeating the Rhinos 29-7 in the muddy match on Saturday at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
The Lions franchise consisted of KCB Rugby, Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, Mwamba RFC, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), South Coast Pirates, and United States International (USIU) Martials. They will wear green and black merchandise.
The Kenya Harlequins, Nondies RFC, and varsity team Strathmore Leos made up their opponents, the Rhinos.
The Lions roared early to score the opening try, thanks to Evans Oduor. After receiving passes from his teammates, Oduor scored the try. Wilhite Namusasi was confident with the conversion, seeing the side lead 7-0.
The muddy grounds made it easy for the Rhinos to infringe, adding three more points to their opponents' scoreboard thanks to Namusasi's magical boots.
The lions were not done. They maintained the fine kicks and dominance, but this time the ball fell into Oscar Sorano's hands. The mountainous forward did not hesitate to sweep his opponents aside for another five-pointer.
Minutes later, Felix Ojoo registered his name on the scoresheet with a try that confirmed the Lions's dominance. Namusasi added the extras, bringing the halftime score to 22-0.
The pep talk seemed to rejuvenate the Lions, who came in stronger to add one more converted try that sealed their victory. Emmanuel Opondo did the honours this time round. At this point, the clouds had started to open.
Sheldon Kahi scored the Rhinos' sole converted try in the dying minutes of the game. Before the final whistle, Evin Asena added the extra three.
At the same time, the Cheetahs humbled the Buffaloes 18-5 to pick up their first win of the match.
In the match between the Lions and Rhinos, Bob Muhati won the man of the match award, while Felix Odhiambo won the MoTM award between the Buffaloes and Cheetahs.
The Lions sit at the top of the try-scoring list with four points, while the Cheetahs follow closely with three points. Buffaloes and Rhinos sit third and fourth without a point.
Following the Nairobi leg, rugby fans can look forward to the second round, which will happen next weekend in Nakuru.
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