Moi University Arsonists torch Kitale RFC in KRU Nationwide final

Moi University nailed Kitale RFC 25-20 in a Nationwide final played at the Moi University Grounds.

The two longtime rivals met yet again. Moi University have had an impressive run this season in their attempt to earn promotion to the Championship level, while Kitale were seeking to better their performance. Last season, they were edged by Zetech University in the quarter-finals at their homeground.

The two sides had met during the regular season with Moi emerging 9-8 winners at home. The varsity side earned hosting rights courtesy of being ranked top on the Rift Valley standings.

The opening half was Arsonists' dominated with two converted tries courtesy of Captain Wesley Lusaka and Trevor Ibala. Allan Shavola converted while Sam Bachai picked the points.

The atmospheric in the closing half was electric, causing Arsonists to infringe their danger zone to earn Kitale three points which Alvin Oduaka collected.

Moi regrouped faster and hurriedly led the visitors to their danger zone. A hands in the ruck mistake would however cost them, but playing on advantage, they earned three points courtesy of Sam Bachai.

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The Arsonists' mistakes would cost them when Jushtone Letuya took off but had no support system. A series of poor rucks and delays then caused them to lose the ball to the opponent's who did not hesitate to run all the way for a five-pointer. The conversion was successful off the boots of Allan Shavola.

Moments into Arsonists' danger zone and the visitors piled pressure on them causing them to infringe and Willy gained the points.

From the scrum, Trevor did not pass the ball, but instead danced through their defence to score a five-pointer that Bachai converted before the end of the final whistle.

Speaking after the match, Kitale RFC Head Coach Ben Amboko described Moi University as a worthy opponent. Despite the loss, Amboko is confident that his charges will meet with the Arsonists in the main finals.

"Moi University are worthy competitors. The game was close but during the last minutes, it could have gone either way and Moi University finally won," Amboko noted.

The Arsonists will welcome Kilifi in the round of 16 in an attempt to qualify for a home semifinal.