Nondies bag bragging rights against Quins as Kabras, KCB, Oilers extend terrific form

Nondescripts RFC claimed Ngong Road Derby bragging rights after edging out arch-rivals Kenya Harlequin 32-22 in a pulsating Kenya Cup Week Four clash played on Saturday, 10 January, at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

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There was more than just pride at stake heading into the encounter.

Nondies had knocked Quins out of main cup contention last season with a decisive 38–22 playoff victory, a result the Harlequins were keen to avenge.

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What followed was a fiercely contested derby that lived up to its billing, with momentum swinging repeatedly before Nondies’ composure proved decisive.

Quins’ indiscipline handed Nondies the initiative early on, with Fidens Tony opening the scoreboard through a well-taken penalty.

The Redshirts kept up the pressure, and their persistence paid off when Maxwell Omondi crossed for the opening try of the match. Tony was once again accurate with the boot, extending Nondies’ early advantage.

Quins responded by trying to build through set pieces, but an overthrown lineout handed possession back to Nondies. Despite showing impressive phase play, the hosts were undone by handling errors and a forward pass, allowing Quins to escape pressure deep in their own territory.

Capitalising on the reprieve, the Harlequins opted for points when a potential attacking move fell short, with Patrick Wainaina slotting in a penalty to keep them within touching distance.

Errors continued to creep into Nondies’ game as they twice reached the Quins’ 22 without converting. A clever pass from Ian Mumbwani nearly put their winger through, but a missed connection squandered a golden opportunity.

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Quins briefly gained territory through a long kick, but Nondies soon struck again. A slick passing sequence created space for Hilary Baraza, who bulldozed his way over the line, with Tony adding the extras.

The hosts enjoyed sustained pressure inside Nondies’ red zone but struggled to turn territory into points, eventually settling for another Wainaina penalty. However, Nondies finished the half the stronger side, repeatedly unsettling Quins’ defence to take a 14–6 lead into the break.

Quins came into the second half breathing fire and were rewarded almost immediately when Vincent Omondi powered over for a try, reigniting the contest.

The physicality ramped up as both sides fought for dominance, and an offside infringement by Nondies at the ruck allowed Wainaina to narrow the gap further with another successful kick at goal.

Nondies responded in style, with Fidens Tony crossing the whitewash for a try before converting it himself to restore breathing space. Quins hit back through an interception try by Albert Alela, keeping the derby finely balanced as the match entered its final quarter.

With the contest hanging in the balance, Tony once again proved decisive, calmly slotting in a penalty to push Nondies further ahead. Quins refused to go down without a fight, as Dave Mwangi scored a late try in the dying minutes, although the conversion attempt fell short.

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Nondies capitalised on Quins’ late errors to see out the match, sealing a deserved 32–22 victory and derby bragging rights.

Elsewhere in Week Four, defending champions Kabras RFC continued their ruthless form with a 74–10 demolition of Kisumu RFC, while Menengai Oilers ran riot in a 66–8 thrashing of Strathmore Leos.

KCB Rugby maintained their strong start with a 43–19 win away to Nakuru RFC, and Impala RFC claimed a convincing 43–19 victory over Daystar Falcons.

MMUST Rugby’s struggles deepened further as they were comfortably beaten 47–17 by KU Blak Blad, compounding a difficult campaign for the Western Kenya outfit.

2025/26 Kenya Cup Week Four Results

Kenya Harlequin 22–32 Nondies RFC

Nakuru RFC 19–43 KCB Rugby

Strathmore Leos 8–66 Menengai Oilers

Kisumu RFC 10–74 Kabras RFC

Impala RFC 43–19 Daystar Falcons

KU Blak Blad 47–17 MMUST Rugby