Menengai Oilers edge Kabras to reach historic ESS final

The win marked a historic milestone for the Oilers, earning them their first-ever appearance in the ESS final, where they will face the winner of the KCB vs. Kenya Harlequin clash.

Speaking to Citizen Digital after the match, an elated Oketch said, "This is a special group, with players from high school and some returning from long injuries, and they have shown character. I am proud of them."

"Our first target was to have a home semi-final and win. I am proud we achieved that, and moving forward, we are aiming for nothing but victory," he added.

Kabras RFC started strongly, taking an early lead with a converted try. However, Oilers responded swiftly as Bruce Endovo crossed the whitewash, with Eric Ogutu slotting in the conversion to level the scores at 7-7.

Oilers then took the lead for the first time when Ogutu drilled in a penalty, making it 10-7. Their momentum continued as a well-executed maul saw Byron Cornel touch down, though Ogutu missed the conversion, extending the Oilers' lead to 15-7.

Kabras reduced the deficit with a penalty, but Oilers quickly reasserted their dominance. Another maul try, this time from Reuben Njoroge, pushed their advantage to 20-10 at halftime.

After the break, Kabras added a three-pointer to cut the gap, but Oilers remained resolute. Paywick Munoko powered over for their final try, extending the lead to 25-13. Kabras fought back with a late converted try to make it 25-20, but Oilers held firm to seal the victory and a place in the final.

With a maiden ESS final now within reach, the Oilers will shift their focus to securing silverware and capping off their remarkable campaign with a championship win.