Former Kenya Cup champions KCB delivered a masterclass performance to secure a hard-fought 29-27 victory over Menengai Oilers in a pulsating encounter at the KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka, on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts made their intentions clear from the outset, with Elvis Olukusi crossing the whitewash within the first three minutes to register KCB’s opening try. However, Oilers quickly responded with two well-taken drop goals to take a 6-5 lead. The first half remained tightly contested, with Oilers heading into the break with a narrow 15-12 advantage.
Speaking after the match, KCB RFC Head Coach Oliver Mang’eni praised his team’s resilience. “I am so proud of this team for showing character in today’s match. We knew it was not going to be an easy fixture. The Oilers came at us with everything they had, but we stayed focused until the final whistle. Now, our attention shifts to the Impala fixture next weekend.”
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The second half saw an intense battle as both sides pushed for tries. Oilers struck first, extending their lead to 22-12. KCB responded through Austin Sikutwa’s well-executed drop goal, adding three crucial points.
Nick Okullo then powered over under the posts, and a successful conversion brought KCB level at 22-22. Oilers hit back with another try to regain a 27-22 lead, but the hosts were not done yet. The outstanding Austin Sikutwa muscled his way through for another try, converting it to secure a dramatic 29-27 triumph for KCB at home.
Expressing his delight after the win, Sikutwa said: “I feel elated to help my team secure such an important victory against a tough opponent. We worked extremely hard for this win, and although we struggled with our scrums and lineouts, I’m happy we came out on top. We must now focus on improving as we approach the season’s final stretch.”
KCB will return to action on March 1, 2025, when they host Impala Club at their home ground, aiming to build on this momentum.
