Kenya Cup recap: KCB, Kabras, Menengai extend fine run as Quins struggle to find form

KCB Rugby continued their impressive run in the Kenya Cup, securing their seventh consecutive win following a dominant 38-16 victory over Harlequin RFC in a brutally physical match played at the KCB Sports Club on Saturday 1,February.

The match, which kicked off earlier than scheduled due to unpredictable weather conditions, saw Quins suffer their third straight defeat after losses to Nondies and Menengai Oilers.

Quins started strong, taking an early lead through a penalty conversion by Elvin Asena after a KCB infringement.

However, the Bankers responded swiftly, with Elvis Olukusi crossing the whitewash for the first try of the game.

The conversion attempt was off the mark, but KCB quickly extended their lead when Michael Wamalwa went over for the second try, successfully converted by Austin Sikutwa.

Quins managed to choke off three points through another penalty conversion, but KCB closed out the first half in dominant fashion as Andycole Omolo’s pectaluar try, converted by Sikutwa, saw them head into the break with a comfortable lead.

Quins came in breathing fire, but KCB maintained their momentum after the restart, capitalizing on a Quins infringement.

From a scrum, Davis Chenge powered over for a try, with Sikutwa adding the extras.

Quins showed resilience, with the livewire Charles Kinyanjui touching down in the right corner for their first try of the game.

The conversion attempt sailed off the uprights, leaving the scores at 26-11.

Despite Quins’ efforts, KCB’s expansive play saw them land yet another try, courtesy of Olukusi’s powerful surge.

Sikutwa failed to split the posts in his attempt, but KCB remained firmly in control.

Quins had another chance to score but were denied after their try was ruled out.

A series of lineouts and scrums followed, with Quins dominating possession but failing to convert opportunities into points.

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KCB eventually sealed the win with a midfield break from the lively Sikutwa, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to score before converting his try.

Quins had the final say in the match with a late try from winger Bill Abuom but Asena failed to add the extra two points.

The final whistle saw KCB walk away with a commanding 38-16 victory.

Quins face a tough challenge in their upcoming Enterprise and Kenya Cup Week Eight clash against Kabras RFC, while KCB will be aiming to continue their unbeaten run when they take on unbeaten Nondies RFC in the Enterprise Cup quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, Strathmore Leos secured their second win of the season, edging Impala RFC 21-14 in a closely contested match at the Impala Grounds.

In Nakuru, Menengai Oilers maintained their fine run after handing Nondies RFC their first win of the season. The match ended 35-24.

South Coast Pirates' match against Nakuru RFC match in Diani was abandoned after Nakuru RFC protested against alleged poor officiating.

Pirates were leading 17-0 with just over 10 minutes remaining to full-time.

Defending champions Kabras RFC were ruthless at the ASK Kakamega Showground, demolishing Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 65-6 to deepen the students’ woes.