KCB make mincemeat of Impala
Paul Mutsami (left) Dennis Juma (9), Mark Ongayo of Impala vie for the ball with Oliver Mangeni (with ball) and Curtis Lilako of KCB during their Kenya Cup league match at Ruaraka in Nairobi on January 08, 2022.
What you need to know:
- Amonde’s first half heroics saw KCB Rugby, who scored seven tries and six conversions, annihilate Impala Saracens 47-0 in a one-sided match played at the KCB Sports Club
- Impala seemed to hold KCB in the first half despite Amonde adventure but the second session proved a downhill slide as their defence slackened to let in five tries and four conversions
- It’s Blak Blad who drew first blood with a penalty from fly-half Ajellti Ekesa but outside centre Joel Inzunga hit back for Mwamba with a try that Kuka converted to take the lead 7-3 at the break
Flanker Andrew Amonde’s brace of tries helped KCB Rugby blow away Impala Saracens as the return of seasoned players propelled Mwamba Rugby Club to their first Kenya Cup win this season on Saturday.
Amonde’s first half heroics saw KCB Rugby, who scored seven tries and six conversions, annihilate Impala Saracens 47-0 in a one-sided match played at the KCB Sports Club.
At the same venue, fly-half Charles Kuka curled over two conversions and three penalties as Mwamba Rugby Club beat hosts Blak Blad from Kenyatta University 28-10.
Strathmore University Leos and Menengai Oilers were forced to dig deep before beating Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and Kenya Harlequin 25-24 and Oilers 16-15 in Madaraka and Nakuru respectively.
Impala seemed to hold KCB in the first half despite Amonde adventure but the second session proved a downhill slide as their defence slackened to let in five tries and four conversions.
Fullback Isaac Njoroge, outside centre Peter Kilonzo, second row Manasse Oduor and substitutes Max Kangeri and Oscar Simiyu all landed to completely shatter Impala.
“We had a slow start in the first half as Impala dug into our territory but we kept our composure going. It was expected being the first game of the year,” said KCB forwards coach Dennis Mwanja.
It’s Blak Blad who drew first blood with a penalty from fly-half Ajellti Ekesa but outside centre Joel Inzunga hit back for Mwamba with a try that Kuka converted to take the lead 7-3 at the break.
But left wing Marshall Mutai touched down as Ekesa converted to put the varsity students back in the lead 10-7.
Mwamba ploughed back using their experienced players Tony Owuor, Collins Injera and Michael Okello, who missed the first three matches.
Owuor brought back Mwamba into business with a try that Kuka converted before curling over two penalties for the victory.
Mwamba lost to Menengai Oilers 25-19, Strathmore 38-18 and Kabras Sugar 46-17 in their first three matches.
“I can attribute the victory to the near a full squad with the return of senior players for the first time this season in the likes of Injera, Owuor and Okello,” said Mwamba coach Kevin Wambua, adding that the wins means a lot to his side as it gives them back the confidence.
“It gets us back to the right mood at the club and we need to build on the momentum going forward,” said Wambua, who attributed their poor run this season to poor decision making.
“Perhaps it's due to pressure but I will now have to talk to my key players who control the game moving forward since we have big matches ahead and we must regroup and execute well,” explained Wambua.
Collated results
KCB 47-0 Impala
Strathmore 25-24 Masinde Muliro
Menengai Oilers 16-15 Quins
Blak Blad 10-28 Mwamba
Kabras Sugar v Nondies (postponed)
