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Kenya Harlequin toss aside Mwamba to kickstart their 2024/2025 Kenya Cup campaign on a high.
Kenya Harlequins began their 2024/2025 Kenya Cup campaign with a commanding 55-22 victory over Mwamba at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday. The clash saw Quins overcome an early setback to secure maximum points in a thrilling encounter.
Mwamba struck first, with Michael Owiti grounding the ball before adding a successful conversion to put the visitors ahead. Their early 7-0 lead momentarily silenced the modest crowd gathered for the season opener.
However, Quins responded in the 21st minute through Sheldon Khai, who leveled the scores with a try that reignited the home side's energy. Mwamba reclaimed the lead in the 26th minute courtesy of Allan Gumbo's try, which was converted. This only seemed to fuel Quins, who hit back with unconverted tries from Paul Matami and Charles Kinyanjui to take a slender 17-14 advantage into halftime.
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15:09 - 22.11.2024
Shujaa coach Kevin Wambua clears the air over the futures of experienced co-captains Tony Omondi, Vincent Onyala
Shujaa head coach Kevin Wambua has provided a positive update over the futures of striking co-captains Tony Omondi & Vincent Onyala.
The second half saw Quins shift gears, starting with a try from Mike Mugo shortly after the restart, though the conversion attempt missed the mark. Carlton Motua extended the lead with another well-worked try, this time successfully converted, widening the gap.
Ben Onyango piled on the pressure, taking the score to 34-14, before a moment of drama in the 56th minute. Quins' Patrick Wainaina received a yellow card for a violent tackle on Moses Keragori, temporarily reducing the hosts to 14 players.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Quins remained relentless. Leonald Fogang produced a moment of brilliance, racing from near the halfway line and slicing through Mwamba's defense to score what many called the try of the weekend. The electrifying effort pushed the score to 41-14.
Mwamba managed to respond with a penalty to reduce the deficit but could not match Quins' intensity. Harlequins closed out the game in dominant fashion, adding more points to secure a 55-22 victory and a perfect start to their campaign.
Quins' emphatic win not only delivered an early statement to their rivals but also highlighted their depth and determination as they look to contend for Kenya Cup glory this season.
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13:27 - 21.11.2024
Striking Shujaa stars missing as Wambua exudes confidence in youngsters to deliver in Dubai & Cape Town
Kenya Sevens coach Kevin Wambua is confident his young guns will achieve the desired results in Dubai and Cape Town after some of his big stars were dropped from the squad.
Other Results:
While Harlequins and Mwamba provided the main drama, other fixtures on opening day also delivered plenty of action:
Nondies Rugby 22, Strathmore Leos 16
Nondies mounted a spirited comeback to edge out Strathmore Leos in a closely contested match.
Blak Blad 27, Nakuru RFC 5
Blak Blad started their campaign with a commanding victory over Nakuru RFC at Kenyatta University, showing their intent for the season ahead.
KCB Rugby Club 93, South Coast Pirates 5
Defending champions KCB welcomed newcomers South Coast Pirates to the Kenya Cup in ruthless fashion, delivering a crushing 93-5 victory. The Pirates face another stern test next week against Kabras.
Menengai Oilers 78, Kisumu RFC 13The Oilers made a strong statement, dismantling Kisumu RFC with a massive 78-13 win in a one-sided affair.
Nondies Rugby 22, Strathmore Leos 16Nondies mounted a spirited comeback to edge out Strathmore Leos in a closely contested match.
Blak Blad 27, Nakuru RFC 5
Blak Blad started their campaign with a commanding victory over Nakuru RFC at Kenyatta University, showing their intent for the season ahead.
KCB Rugby Club 93, South Coast Pirates 5
Reigning Kenya Cup runners-up KCB welcomed newcomers South Coast Pirates to the Kenya Cup in ruthless fashion, delivering a crushing 93-5 victory. The Pirates face another stern test next week against Kabras.
Menengai Oilers 78, Kisumu RFC 13
The Oilers made a strong statement, dismantling Kisumu RFC with a massive 78-13 win in a one-sided affair.
More to follow...
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