Kabras RFC kept their six-peat dream alive in the Enterprise Cup after a 29-20 win over Menengai Oilers in a semi-final clash played at Kakamega Showground on Saturday afternoon.
Carlos Katywa’s charges headed into the encounter unbeaten in the competition since April 2018, having won over 23 matches since 2019 and beating Oilers three times in a row. They were, however, without six starters including George Nyambua, Alfred Orege, Barry Robinson and Asuman Mugerwa who are set for the Hong Kong trip next weekend.
Despite dominating territory early on, Kabras did not have the ideal start. Menengai Oilers struck first on their maiden visit inside the 22, with Abutwalib Wesonga slotting in a penalty for a 3-0 lead after 12 minutes.
Kabras continued to pile pressure and opted for the corner even when kickable penalties were on offer. Their persistence paid off in the 20th minute when David Bunduki dived over for the opening try, with Jone Kubu converting for a 7-3 lead.
The second try came in the 30th minute, with Mathias Osimbo creating space for Roy Maruti to score under the posts. Eric Cantona added the extras for a 14-3 advantage. Oilers responded through a well-worked move finished by Clarkson Keegan off a Brian Achacha offload, cutting the deficit to four points. Kubu then saw a drop goal attempt bounce off the posts.
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Kabras went into the break ahead after skipper Eugene Sifuna powered over for a try, with Kubu converting to make it 21-10 at halftime.
The hosts started the second half strongly, with Griffin Chao crossing over just a minute in, although the conversion attempt went wide.
Oilers kept pushing, but Kabras extended their lead in the 64th minute when Kubu added a penalty to make it 29-13. Discipline issues then hurt Oilers, as Beldad Ogeta was shown a yellow card for contact on Eric Cantona, before Mike Okello also saw yellow shortly after coming on. Kabras’ defence held firm during this period.
Oilers continued to chase a way back, repeatedly going for the lineout, but were met by a resolute Kabras defence. They eventually got a consolation try after the hooter through Eric Ogutu, with Wesonga converting for the final 29-20 scoreline.
Kabras now march into the final, keeping their remarkable Enterprise Cup streak alive.
