Kabras Sugar hit Oilers to clinch Kenya Cup title

Kabras Sugar have won the Kenya Cup rugby league title.

It was a game of two halves as Kabras Sugar rallied from behind 18-8 at the break to beat Menengai Oilers 34-28 in a nerve-racking final at the Bullring, Kakamega on Saturday.

Kabras touched down three tries, two conversions and five penalties to recapture the title they won last in 2016 when they beat Impala Saracens in the final.

Oilers scored three tries, two conversions and three penalties.

Hooker Teddy Akala, touched down a brace of tries while eighthman Jenson Misonga managed one for Kabras.

Fullback Jone Kubu, who was declared man-of-the match made all Kabras' extras for the sweet victory for the home side, who had earlier reached six consecutive finals to only win one.

Fullback Davis Nyaudi scored two tries for Oilers with hooker Coleman Were nailing the other.

Fly-half Geoffrey Ominde did the kicking for Oilers but it was all in vain for the team that was reaching their maiden Cup final that was well handled by Godwin Karuga.

Self-belief and cutting off the speedy Menengai Oilers backs in the second half is what Kabras Sugar banked on to lift their second Kenya Cup title at the Bullring, Kakamega.

“I had to talk a lot to the boys in the changing room after a poor first half. I am happy the whole team changed and I can’t single out anyone for good display,” said Kabras Sugar coach Jerome Muller, adding that Oilers put them under pressure with their suave wide channel kind of play.

“We couldn’t play our rugby but I told my boys that we had sacrificed a lot in training and what was remaining is to lift the trophy. They only need to believe in themselves, get the ball and hold on to it,” said Muller. “I am simply ecstatic…we shall celebrate tonight and not think about rugby.”

Kabras chairman Philip Jalang’o thanked their sponsors West Kenya Sugar Company for their support and believing in their vision during the Covid-19 period.

“For us to have been in every final for seven consecutive years show that we have been working towards the right thing and God has rewarded us. They say if you keep walking you will get to the top of the mountain,” said Jalang’o.

Kabras skipper Dan Sikuta said they had to go back to their structures after a poor first half and his charges responded well.

“This is the best attitude I have seen from the boys this season and I am happy to win my first Kenya Cup,” said Sikuta.

Oilers coach Gibson Weru said he believes his boys didn’t lose but learnt.

“It’s one of those seasons that we gave everything but came short at the last hurdle. We need to absorb these good moments and enjoy the performance,” said Weru, adding that he is extremely proud of his players.

“Our plan was basically be in the game in the first 30 minutes because Kabras usually start strong. We were successful in that to lead."

"The game was won in the second half by the team that took their opportunities,” said Weru, adding that they failed to get their set pieces well and unforced errors crept in to see them get punished.

“This is a young team that had not played at this level before but the desire, energy, enthusiasm displayed by the boys was enormous.”

Oilers were off the blocks fast with Ominde and winger Beldad Ogeta tearing through Kabras defence.

Oliers would get a penalty that Ominde kicked for touch, and would win the line-out before executing a rolling maul for their opening try through Were as Ominde converted.

Oilers ferociously tackled the marauding Kabras players but conceded a penalty almost 40 metres away. Kubu nailed through to pull back 7-3.

Both teams resorted to kick for territory but Oilers were quick on their feet. They got another penalty that Ominde converted before slotting over a drop goal to lead 13-3.

Scrum-half Andrew Odero broke lose at the middle before putting Nyaudi through for his first try to extend their lead to 18-3 before Akala responded for Kabras with a try. They trailed 18-8 at the break.

Another Ominde penalty stretched Oilers lead to 21-8 before Akala and Misoga landed a try each to take the lead for the first time 22-21 after Kubu converted them both.