The top-of-the-table Kenya Cup clash between defending champions Kabras Sugar and KCB at KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka, was abandoned on Saturday at half-time due to heavy rains that rendered the pitch unplayable.
The teams were tied 10-10 in an enthralling half that had seen the Kakamega-based Kenya Cup champions Kabras rally from 10 points down.
Referee Kevin Wambugu called off the match amidst the deluge that affected many parts of the country.
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Leagues and Competitions Committee will meet KCB and Kabras officials on Tuesday to decide whether to declare a drawn result or call for a replay.
Kenya Rugby Union Kenya Cup rule 13.6.4.6 on abandoned matches is clear. Section (i) states: “if the weather conditions solely prevent a match being played or result in a match being abandoned during the first half, then the match will be replayed in accordance with the League and Fixtures Committee guidance.”
The bankers appear to favour a replay, while figures in the Kabras camp indicated the sugar millers wanted the match declared a draw.
KCB started strongly to draw first blood when fly half Brian Wahinya drilled over in a penalty before converting flanker Elvis Olukusi’s try in the 21st minute off a maul to lead 10-0.
Kabras would hit back as the heavens opened when flanker George Nyambua, who was making a return after a sabbatical, crossed over for a try that fullback Eric Cantona punted over.
Cantona kicked over a penalty to level matters on a wet, muddy and slippery pitch.
“We started badly, on the wrong foot, playing in our own territory and that is how they managed to get in 10 points,” said Nyambua, who was playing his third match for Kabras this season.
“We managed to regroup, tick the boxes to overturn their lead.”
Nyambua, the former Kabras Sugar skipper, was thrilled with the display from their youngsters who stepped up in the absence of several key senior players.
“We have like nine injuries but the youngsters have stepped in well. I hope the senior players will be back for the play-off stage,” said Nyambua.
Kabras Sugar, who are into their fourth Kenya Cup season unbeaten, have not lost to KCB since their 28-20 defeat to the bankers on February 26, 2022 at the Lion’s Den.
Kabras coach Carlos Katywa is also unbeaten in 48 matches since taking charge at the end of the 2021/2022 season.
“We didn’t want this. You could see we had picked up after a slow start. The boys had gained composure while KCB were starting to tire,” said Katywa.
“We are not satisfied with a draw since we know what we are capable of,” said Amonde.
Menengai Oilers beat Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (Mmust) 48-3 at the Nakuru Showground while Nondescripts edged out Daystar University Falcons 40-20 at the Ngong Racecourse.
