Kabras dominate as South Coast Pirates relegated

Kabras Sugar RFC continued their dominance over KCB Rugby with a 25-17 victory at the Kakamega Showground, marking their fifth consecutive win over the bankers.

The victory not only cemented Kabras' position at the top of the Kenya Cup standings but also extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 39 matches, a streak that dates back to 2022.

With this result, Kabras finished the regular season at the summit for the sixth straight year, collecting 52 points, two ahead of second-placed KCB (50 points).

Heavy rains before kickoff left the pitch wet, but Kabras wasted no time asserting their dominance.

The hosts struck first through Kevin Wekesa, who pounced on a loose ball from a lineout error to score on the left wing. Ntabeni Dukisa nailed the conversion, giving Kabras a 7-0 lead.

KCB responded swiftly when Austin Sikutwa capitalized on a mix-up in Kabras’ back three, scoring off a kick-and-chase. Sikutwa converted his own try to level the score at 7-7.

Kabras then took the lead with a Dukisa penalty (10-7), but KCB hit back as Griffin Musila crossed over after a patient build-up. Another successful Sikutwa conversion gave KCB a 14-10 advantage.

Dukisa kept Kabras in contention with back-to-back penalties, first reducing the gap to 14-13, then putting the Sugarmen ahead at 16-14.

Sikutwa added a penalty for KCB, reclaiming the lead at 17-16, before Dukisa’s third penalty just before halftime saw Kabras enter the break leading 19-17.

The second half was a tense, tactical contest, with KCB camping in Kabras' half but struggling to break through a resolute defence.

Dukisa’s boot continued to punish the visitors, as he slotted another penalty for a 22-17 lead. Kabras then came close to scoring from a maul, but Teddy Akala was held up just short.

A slick backline move nearly yielded another try, but Lamec Ambetsa knocked on at the crucial moment. However, the referee awarded Kabras a penalty, which Dukisa converted to extend the lead to 25-17.

Despite late pressure from KCB, Kabras' defence held firm, sealing their victory and reinforcing their status as the team to beat in the Kenya Cup.

In Diani, South Coast Pirates' Kenya Cup journey came to an end after a 35-0 thrashing by Menengai Oilers, confirming their relegation.

Oilers were in ruthless form, with Omela Okwemba, Clarkson Keegan, Dam Kipchirchir, Samwel Were, and Samwel Ovwamu all scoring tries.

Timothy Omela was flawless from the kicking tee, converting all five tries to hand Oilers a dominant victory on the road.

The loss means Pirates drop out of the Kenya Cup, while Oilers finish the season strongly, setting their sights on the playoffs.