Weru attributes Menengai fall to KCB to poor defence

Menengai Oilers will have themselves to blame after failing to qualify for the finals this season.

The Oilers lost 38-20 to KCB RFC in the semifinal match played at the Lions Den on Saturday 4 March.

Oilers went to the match keen to stage a repeat of the 2021/22 semifinal when they edged their long time rivals KCB RFC 24-17, but were off to a frustrating finish.

In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport after the nerve-cracking match, Menengai Oilers tactician Gibson Weru blamed the loss on not-so-good setpieces, improper lineouts, and poor defence.

"There are so many areas that we are not good enough. Our setpieces were not strong enough, we struggled with the lineouts, and when we struggle with such areas, it becomes hard.,"

He added: "Our defense was a let down. Every time KCB walked into our green zone they came out with five points. Those are areas that you cannot win a championship without working hard on,"

Describing KCB RFC as a worthy opponent, Gibu noted that his charges failed to put up the required energy, in addition to improper decisions.

"But again, KCB is a very good side. They are very experienced. They know how to be efficient at the right time and it works for them

"Again, when we look back, I think we did not work hard enough, smart enough to prepare for this stage," Gibu noted.

The Oilers will now head to the refinery to rectify their mistakes as they prepare to face Kenya Harlequins next weekend.

"We have to go back to the drawing board, look at so many areas that we can work on and make sure that we are ready for this stage when it comes next year,"he remarked.

Reflecting on the season, Gibu described it as 'one of those rollercoaster seasons' as they lacked consistency. The Oilers suffered defeats to Blak Blad and Strathmore Leos.

"It has been one of those rollercoaster seasons, we lacked consistency in our performances, but again, every loss we saw the weaknesses in so many of our areas," he stated.

The Nakuru-based-club will tackle Kenya Harlequins next weekend while the two rugby giants; Kabras RFC and KCB RFC lock horns in Kakamega.