Menengai oilers secure spot in Kenya Cup semis

By Clerence Majani

Menengai Oilers secured their spot in the Kenya Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 31-18 victory over Black Blad in a thrilling match at Nakuru ASK Grounds today.

Kenyatta University, also known as the “Blak Blad”, took an early lead. Daniel Oyoo successfully executed a penalty after a dangerous play just two minutes into the game.

Menengai Oilers responded a few seconds later with a penalty from Timothy Omela, leveling the score at 3-3.

The home team could gain momentum,both packs crashed into each other, and the scrum became a battlefield of raw strength and determination. Biko Odhiambo, managed to penetrate as he drove a try for the refinery side as Omela converted it.

The varsity team managed to narrow the gap when Jared Davejo scored their first try. However, the conversion attempt went wide, leaving the score at 10–8 in favor of the Oilers.

Omela extended the lead for the home team by successfully capitalizing on a penalty, adding three more points to the scoreboard. Odhiambo showcased his brilliance with a second try, which was expertly converted by Daniel Oyoo.

Moments later, Alvin Khavoli, playing as a winger, demonstrated incredible speed and agility. Exploiting space on the edges, he turned Blak Blad’s defensive line into an offensive opportunity, scoring a spectacular try just two minutes before the halftime break. Omela converted it with precision, bringing the score to 20-15 in favor of the Oilers.

Two minutes into the second half, Daniel Oyoo scored a penalty for Blak Blad, narrowing the gap to 20-18. However, later in the game, he missed an opportunity to convert another penalty for the students towards the end of the second quarter in the second half.

Omela seized the opportunity brilliantly, diving over for a try on the left edge of the pitch after a determined effort from the scrum. However, the conversion attempt went wide, leaving the scoreboard at 25-18

Omela delivered an exceptional performance, successfully converting two consecutive penalties: one from seven meters beyond the centre of the pitch and the other directly from the centre, extending the lead to 31-18.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Black Blad RFC captain Obat Kuke said in an interview with Citizen Digital that they aimed for a victory but were defeated by the Oilers.

"Overall, it was a great match. I think our physicality, especially on defense, let us down. The Oilers were creating good forward plays. We were in the game until the last minute of the first half. Oilers beat us on penalties—they have a very skilled kicker," he explained.

He added that they are already planning for the next season and focused on having a solid off-season.

"The team needs to put in extra work to build strength. Our goal is to reach the semi-finals, or at least the quarterfinals, next season," he said.

On the other side, Menengai Oilers' key player Timothy Omela shared his thoughts on the match, calling it a good day despite the pressure from their opponents.

"The boys rose to the occasion, and they really wanted that win," he said.

Omela credited consistent training for improving his performance.

"Training has been intense. At this point, it doesn’t matter what strategy we use to secure a win. As long as we get those three points, it’s worth it. The Oilers is the best team right now, and I feel it’s the right time for us. God is on our side," he added.

Looking ahead, Omela noted that their next match against KCB RFC in the Kenya Cup semifinals would be a tough game.

Prior to hosting Kenyatta University's 'Blak Blad’, the Oilers had secured a home playoff spot by finishing third in the regular season with 47 points. Their opponents, KU, placed sixth with 26 points. The victor of this clash will proceed to the semi finals to face KCB Rugby, the second-placed team with 50 points.

In another match played on the same pitch, Kabras RFC dominated Blak Blad in the ESS with a resounding 47-07 victory in an early kickoff