Red-hot Menengai Oilers fry Nakuru RFC in derby showdown

Menengai Oilers asserted their dominance in the Nakuru Derby with an emphatic 32-15 victory over Nakuru RFC at the Nakuru Athletics Club (NAC).

This win marked a significant milestone for the Oilers, who have now achieved back-to-back wins at the iconic venue for the first time since their promotion to the Kenya Cup in the 2017/18 season, solidifying their status as the new kings of the derby.

The clash, the eighth meeting between the two sides, saw the Oilers extend their edge in the rivalry with their fifth win.

Their breakthrough at NAC came last season with a hard-fought 19-10 victory, but this time, they delivered a commanding performance that left no doubt about their superiority.

The Gibson Weru-coached Oilers faced an early scare when Nakuru RFC scored a converted try within the first 10 minutes, taking a 7-0 lead. However, the Oilers regrouped swiftly, earning a penalty try to level the score.

Back-row forward Elkeans Musonye powered over the line shortly after, putting the Oilers ahead. Although Abutwalib Wesonga missed the conversion, the score stood at 12-7.

Andrew Odero extended the lead with a third try, and Wesonga found his accuracy to add the extras, giving the Oilers a comfortable 19-7 advantage at halftime.

The second half saw the Oilers turn up the heat. Clinton Odhiambo crossed the line for a bonus-point try, and Wesonga’s conversion pushed the lead to 26-7.

Kenyan international Timothy Omela added a penalty to widen the margin further. Odhiambo, in blistering form, sealed the game with his second try, securing a resounding 32-15 triumph for the Oilers.

This statement victory underscores the Oilers’ intent to claim their first Kenya Cup trophy. They will look to maintain their momentum as they host Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad RFC next weekend at the Refinery Grounds in round five of the Kenya Cup.