Oilers nail big win, KCB go down to Kabras

By Clarence Majani

In a highly anticipated Enterprise Cup semi-final at the Nakuru Showgrounds, the Menengai Oilers secured an impressive 41-10 victory over Nondescripts RFC in an exhilarating match.

In the first ten minutes, neither side managed to score, with multiple scrums occurring on both ends due to frequent ball-handling errors.

The Oilers adapted their tactics to showcase their attacking strengths, resulting in the first try in the 27th minute. Tony Oketch capitalized on excellent teamwork by Shitundu and Mboi to cross the line. Unfortunately, his conversion attempt went wide, leaving the score at 5-0.

Samuel Ovwamu extended the lead by outpacing the visitors’ defense to score the second try, which Tony Oketch successfully converted. Soon after, Nelson Makokha added another try for the Oilers, though Oketch's conversion attempt missed.

Daniel Kipchirchir turned defense into attack, scoring yet another try for the home team. However, the conversion failed.

In the dying moments of the first half, the visitors managed their first try through Sankara Wafula, but their conversion attempt also went wide. The first half concluded with the Oilers leading 22-5.

The home team picked up right where they left off in the second half. Alvin Khavoli showcased his dominance on the left wing, scoring a brilliant try by diving under the posts. Oketch’s successful conversion extended their lead to 29–5.

The Nondescripts' defense faced immense pressure, creating an opportunity for Samuel Were to score and add points to the board, although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Musonye found the try line for the Oilers, with Oketch successfully adding the extras.

Tony Fidens worked to narrow the deficit for the Nondescripts by scoring their second try. However, the conversion missed the mark once again, leaving the scoreboard at 41-10.

This win propels Menengai Oilers into the Enterprise Cup final, where they will face a formidable opponent.

Speaking to Citizen Digital after the game, Moses Wanyaga, the assistant coach of Nondescripts, reflected on the match, saying it was a challenging encounter.

“The scoreboard doesn’t reflect what really happened, but the Oilers are a very good side—they gave us a tough time,” he remarked.

In the other tie, KCB went down 25-21 against Kabras at the ASK Showground in Kakamega.

The bankers have now shifted their attention to the upcoming Kenya Cup semi-final clash against Menengai Oilers or Nondescripts scheduled to be played on March 29, 2024.