Unbeaten Kabras seal top finish once again with dominant win over Oilers as Kisumu stun Blak Blad

Defending champions Kabras Sugar RFC extended their remarkable unbeaten run in the Kenya Cup after defeating arch-rivals Menengai Oilers RFC 27-13 in a tightly contested clash played on Saturday, 14 March at the ASK Kakamega Showground.

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Kabras signaled their intent early, repeatedly opting for lineouts in kickable areas inside the Oilers’ 22-metre line.

Their near-perfect execution at the set piece allowed them to pile pressure on the visitors and dictate the early tempo.

The strategy paid off after 15 minutes when Erick Cantona spotted space inside the Oilers half and attempted a 50-22 kick but fell just short.

Although Oilers secured the resulting lineout, Kabras stole possession and launched an attack that eventually led to the opening try.

Skipper George Nyambua powered over the whitewash from a pick-and-carry following several attempts off lineouts. Cantona added the conversion to give Kabras a 7-0 lead.

Oilers responded moments later through Abutwalib Wesonga, who calmly slotted a penalty to reduce the deficit to 7-3.

Kabras quickly reasserted their dominance when Mathias Osimbo crossed the line after being set up by Cantona. The fly-half converted again as the hosts stretched their advantage to 14-3.

Dominant at the set piece, Kabras continued to exploit their lineout strength. Another well-executed maul saw them march forward before touching down for their third try, extending the lead to 19-3.

Just when it looked like Kabras would run away with the contest, Oilers mounted a response. Fortune Arturo sliced through the Kabras defence to score their first try, with Wesonga converting to cut the gap to 19-10.

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As heavy rain began to pour at the Kakamega Showground, Kabras managed the closing stages of the half well to carry their lead into the break.

The second half did not start on time as the downpour forced a delay of more than 30 minutes. Once the rain eased, both teams returned to the pitch for a brief warm-up before play resumed.

After the restart, Kabras continued to apply territorial pressure, with both sides introducing tactical substitutions. The hosts struck first in the second half, adding another try to extend their lead to 24-0.

Discipline then became a talking point as the match grew increasingly physical. Nelson Makokha was sent to the sin bin, while Eugene Sifuna was also shown a yellow card shortly after returning to the field before being replaced by Teddy Akala.

Oilers managed to add another three points as the contest turned into a territorial battle, narrowing the scoreline to 24-13.

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Kabras, however, remained composed in the closing minutes and added a drop goal to stretch the lead to 27-13 before holding on comfortably to secure the victory and finish the regular season unbeaten.

Kenya Cup Week 11 Collated results

MMUST Rugby 19-25 Nakuru RFC

Kisumu RFC 9-8 KU Blak Blad

Daystar Falcons 17-57 KCB Rugby

Impala RFC 17-13 Nondies RFC

Strathmore Leos 32-10 Kenya Harlequin