Ogutu Boot inspires Oilers to maiden Eric Shirley Shield title

Menengai Oilers clinched their first-ever Eric Shirley Shield title in dramatic fashion on Saturday, edging out perennial powerhouses KCB Rugby 15-12 in a tightly-contested final at the KCB Sports Club.

The final, fittingly cagey and intense, saw no tries scored, with the match decided purely on kicking prowess. And in this department, Erick Ogutu stood tallest, slotting in five penalties to deliver Oilers' historic win and end KCB’s unbeaten season in the second-tier league.

Draped in their navy blue colours, Oilers endured a nervy start after a misfield by Alvin Khavoli gifted KCB an early territorial advantage. Despite holding strong defensively, the Nakuru-based side conceded a penalty, which was converted to give the Bankers an early 3-0 lead.

KCB doubled their advantage after a misfiring Oilers lineout gifted Lionel Ajeliti a chance from just outside the 22, which he duly slotted for 6-0.

Oilers showed glimpses of their threat, with Davis Nyaundi's clever 50-22 kick nearly changing momentum, only for possession to be squandered again. KCB pressed harder, and Thomas Okidia was held up in a try-scoring position in what was arguably their best chance of the game.

Eventually, just before halftime, Ogutu calmed Oilers’ nerves with a confident penalty strike to trail 6-3 at the break.

The second half saw a sharper Oilers side emerge. Ogutu, growing in confidence, levelled the score with another well-taken kick after a probing break into KCB’s red zone.

Levi Amunga restored KCB’s lead with a penalty, but again Ogutu replied with a long-range effort to tie it at 9-9. Amunga then pulled out a rare drop goal, putting KCB 12-9 ahead and setting up a tense finale.

Two more penalty kicks from the fullback gave Oilers a 15-12 lead with less than five minutes on the clock. KCB tried to mount a late charge, but a not-straight lineout throw in the dying moments sealed their fate.

As the final whistle blew, Oilers celebrated a famous win, one forged through resilience, grit, and the unerring boot of Erick Ogutu.

The victory caps off a remarkable campaign for Gibson Weru led charges, finally getting their hands on the ESS title and setting the tone for bigger ambitions in Kenya’s rugby hierarchy.