Eldo Poly Community booked their place in the KRU Nationwide quarterfinals after a 34-20 victory over KCA University in a match played at Eldoret Polytechnic.
The hosts struck first in the 18th minute through Micah Odoyo, but KCA responded almost immediately to narrow the gap to 5-3. Caxstone Aresi then extended EldoPoly’s lead in the 21st minute as the game burst into life.
Eldo Poly lead
KCA hit back four minutes later, with Jacktone Etemesi crossing over to level matters at 8-8. However, Aresi took control of proceedings, slotting in penalties in the 28th and 31st minutes before scoring and converting a try in the 37th minute to hand EldoPoly a 21-8 lead at the break.
In the second half, Aresi added a penalty just two minutes in, stretching the lead further before Etemesi grabbed his second try of the match to reduce the deficit to 24-13. Aresi responded with another penalty, but KCA remained within touching distance after Bethuel Mbeki’s try, converted by Austine Oduor, made it 27-20.
A penalty try late on sealed the win for EldoPoly, putting the result beyond KCA’s reach.
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Elsewhere, Kisii National Polytechnic advanced to the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 17-10 win over Meru University. Kisii Poly built a 14-0 lead through three penalties and an unconverted try before Meru rallied with 10 points in the second half. However, Kisii added a late penalty to secure the victory.
In other results, Kenya Prisons edged out Maseno University 18-17, while Kabarak University stunned Stallions’ Rugby with a 26-24 win. AP Warriors cruised past Chuka University 55-12, and Sigalagala NP thrashed TUM Marines 33-3.
Makueni RFC picked up a strong 35-20 win over Embu RFC, while Kilifi Titans progressed after a 28-0 walkover victory against Egerton University.
Nationwide round of 16 results
Kenya Prisons 18 – 17 Maseno University
EldoPoly Community 34 – 20 KCA University
Stallions’ Rugby 24 – 26 Kabarak University
Kisii National Polytechnic 17 – 10 Meru University
AP Warriors 55 – 12 Chuka University
Sigalagala NP 33 – 03 TUM Marines
Embu RFC 20 – 35 Makueni RFC
Kilifi Titans 28 – 0 Egerton University
