Menengai Cream Cheetahs made it two wins on the trot with a convincing 18-16 win over the KCB Bank Lions. Tries from Tyson Maina and Beldad Ogeta coupled with a conversion and a penalty by Quinto Ongo inspired the Lawrence Buyachi-coached side to a famous victory in front of a home crowd.
The Menengai Cream Cheetahs came into the game off a morale-boosting win over Kabras Sugar Buffaloes. Both teams tweaked their match-day squads, opting for a mixture of experience and youth and calling up U20 players fresh from the Barthes Trophy triumph in Zimbabwe.
The first half was a tight affair, Elvis Namusasi’s penalty the only score separating the two. The second half was more action-packed with the heavens opening and the scoring floodgates following suit.
Tyson Maina was the first to go over for the Menengai Cream Cheetahs, Quinto Ongo adding the extras. Soon after, Ongo added an extra 3 points off a penalty. Momentum would then shift, with Namusasi slotting in two penalties to bring the KCB Bank Lions to within a point of the Cheetahs.
The game would then see a flurry of yellow cards dished out. Felix Okoth saw yellow for Menengai Cream Cheetahs while Wilhite Mususi and Felix Ojoo saw yellow for the KCB Bank Lions.
Kenya Simbas winger Beldad Ogeta then went over for Menengai Cream Cheetahs to extend their lead to 15-9 before Kenya U20 star Philip Okeyo added another penalty to stretch the lead. Manasseh Oduor then replied with a converted try for the KCB Bank Lions. That would however not be enough to win the game as the center referee blew the final whistle.
Speaking after the game, KCB Bank Lions Head coach Oliver Mang’eni expressed his frustrations with the result but appreciated the fact that his team gave a good account of themselves. “The weather was good, we had an opportunity to play good rugby, so we did not expect to get the result we got,” said Mang’eni.
Despite the loss, KCB Bank Lion’s Obat Kuke was named player of the match, and his coach believes he can only get better. “Kuke can only get better. With the performances he is putting in, he should be in the Kenya Simbas conversation,” concluded Mang’eni.
On his side, the winning coach Lawrence Buyachi applauded his side’s fighting spirit and character despite the KCB Bank Lions’ proving to be difficult customers. “We gave the game our very best despite the boys not executing the game plan to the letter,” said Buyachi.
Quinto Ongo came up clutch for his side once again and his coach was full of praise for the utility back. “Quinto is a very important player for us, his kicks are perfect. He did very well for us today and we look forward to his future performances, “added Buyachi.
With the win, the Menengai Cream Cheetahs now go top of the four-team log with 8 points followed by KCB Bank Lions on 6 points. Kabras Sugar Buffaloes are third with 4 points after getting their first win over Faiba Mobile Rhinos. Faiba Mobile Rhinos sit at the bottom, pointless after two rounds.
The Rugby Super Series heads to Kakamega next weekend.
