Kabras Sugar maintain perfect record with comeback victory against Menengai Oilers
At the start of the season, Kabras Sugar coach Carlos Katywa had touted the Oilers as the team to watch this year and the Nakuru-based team did not waste time to assert their championship credentials, racing to an 8-0 lead.
Defending Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar maintained their 100% record this season after coming from behind to defeat Menengai Oilers 20-14 in an epic clash that was played at the ASK Nakuru Showground on Saturday.
At the start of the season, Kabras Sugar coach Carlos Katywa had touted the Oilers as the team to watch this year and the Nakuru-based team did not waste time to assert their championship credentials, racing to an 8-0 lead.
In an interview with The Eastleigh Voice, Katywa praised the Oilers' aggressive and persistent forward line but had also mentioned hoping to exploit vulnerabilities in their defence after analysing videos of the matches.
That analysis paid off as Kabras Sugar fought back to lead 10-8, setting the stage for a seesaw battle that ended with Menengai Oilers leading 14-13 at halftime.
In the second half, the Oilers defended resolutely to protect their lead.
However, reminiscent of their contest against KCB Rugby last weekend during which they lost 29-27 after a late try by the Bankers, Oilers fell short in their bid to see out the match as Kabras Sugar finally found a breakthrough to win the match 14-20 and maintain their unbeaten run in the Kenya Cup which stretches back to February 26, 2022.
Following that win, Kabras Sugar continue to remain second on the standings while Oilers stay third.
KCB Rugby, who lead the standings in the 12-team competition, defeated Impala 64-14 in a match that was played at the KCB Sports Club.
KCB Rugby's victory ensures they, like Kabras Sugar, maintained their 100% record hence setting the stage for a titanic battle as they travel to Kakamega next weekend to play Kabras Sugar in the regular season finale.
Victory will be crucial for either team as it will ensure they will get home advantage should either of them meet in the final of this year's competition.
Results from other Kenya Cup matches saw fourth-placed Nondescripts defeating basement team South Coast Pirates 50-22 at the Ngong Racecourse Grounds.
Fifth-placed Kenya Harlequins maintained their spot after defeating ninth-placed Kisumu RFC 36-22 at the RFUEA Grounds.
KU Blak Blad maintained their purple patch to remain 6th on the standings, winning a third consecutive match after defeating the eighth-placed Strathmore Leos 39-31 at the Kenyatta University Grounds.
Nakuru RFC continued with their resurgence, winning a third consecutive match to leapfrog Mwamba Rugby into 10th place with a 32-27 victory in a match that was played at the Nakuru Athletic Club.
The 2024-25 Kenya Cup regular season will end next season with teams battling for spots in the Top Six play-offs while others fight against relegation.
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