Quins beat Impala in the Ngong Road Derby, hitting eternal rivals Impala RFC 29-20 as they started their Kenya Cup campaign with emphatic morale-boosting victory at the RFUEA Ground on Saturday.
In a match that has always birthed competitive rugby and intense action, it was the cross-fence neighbour’s Impala who had a good start on enemy territory when Quinto Ongo sliced the posts from a penalty for an early 3-9 lead.
Quins beat Impala in the Ngong Road Derby and then they had a chance to respond in a similar fashion but missed their kick. However, they would get into the lead with the first try of the game when Elisha Koronya crossed over.
The home side’s dominance would continue from hence with Mark Wandeto and Leroy Kamau driving through with Kamau’s try converted as they went to the break with a healthy 17-3 lead.
In the second half, Impala, coached by former Kenyan international Oscar Osir came back determined to get their feet on level terms. They were off to a fine start when Tariq Ngige crossed over and the try converted to squeeze the game to a seven-point lead, scores now at 17-10 in favour of Quins.
Impala’s Hopes.
However, Impala’s hopes of pushing for a comeback were thwarted when Wandeto landed his brace to stretch the lead to 24-10 with the try converted.
But Impala was relentless and they got back to within touching distance through Samuel Mbeche’s converted try.
Just as expected, the drama would continue with Quins getting back to a comfortable lead through Sheldon Kahi’s converted try. The home side managed to hold on to the lead to the end, earning a bonus point victory and derby laughs at home.
Action between Strathmore and Nakuru RFC in the Kenya Cup
In the early kick off, the returning Strathmore Leos announced their return to top-flight rugby with a 30-11 beating of Nakuru RFC in the early kick off at the RFUEA Grounds.
Brunson Madigu got Leos ahead with a penalty kick before Fred Odongo responded in kind for Nakuru. George Ooro and Philemon Olang touched down for the Leos in between Odongo’s second penalty to wrap up the first half proceedings.
Ooro grabbed his brace after the restart before Emmanuel Mboya went over for Nakuru’s only try. Arnold Muita would then convert Matthew Mogaya’ try. Festus Safari went over the whitewash for a fifth try for the students, securing the win for the Leos.
Defending Champions KCB
Meanwhile, defending champions KCB started their title defence on the right footing, beating Homeboyz RFC 18-10 at the Lion’s Den in Ruaraka. Despite missing several of their key players who are away on international duty with the Simbas and Shujaa, KCB showed their depth with an enviable performance.
At the Kakamega Show Ground, last season’s runners up Kabras Sugar were in no mood for games when they picked up a statement victory, thrashing Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 49-3. In Lurambi, Masinde Muliro University beat Nondies 24-15.
Mwamba vs Nakuru action in teh WOmen’s League
At the same time, the opening weekend of the Kenya Cup saw Women’s League action starting for the first time ever with two matches on the cards. The third match, pitting Homeboyz against Nothern Suburbs, was postponed.
Impala Ladies enjoyed the biggest win of the historic weekend when they thrashed Ruck It 98-7. Meanwhile, Mwamba Women enjoyed a 38-13 victory against Nakuru.
Match Day One Results
Kabras Sugar 49 Blak Blad 3
Masinde Muliro 24 Nondies 15
KCB 18 Homeboyz 10
Kenya Harlequin 29 Impala Saracens 20
Menengai Oilers 25 Mwamba 19
Strathmore Leos 30 Nakuru 11
Also, Read: Stormers prop Wilco Louw to join English club Harlequins
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