Andrew Gathua’s conversion was the difference as champions Kabras Sugar edged a stubborn Mean Machine 14-13 in Kenya Cup match day one action at the Kakamega Showground on Saturday 5 November 2016.
Machine, who narrowly escaped the chop last season were first off the blocks, backrow man Treasure Odundo touching down with Rene Inyanga converting for a 7-0 lead but the hosts responded through Steve Ochieng’s touch down, Gathua’s conversion restoring parity.
Machine would continue to prod Kabras, Inyanga adding a penalty to see his side take a 10-7 lead at the interval.
Things continued to look bleak for the champions when, after sustained pressure, Inyanga drilled home a second penalty to put his side 13-7 up before Nakarawa struck, Gathua, signed from Blak Blad in the off season, making good of the pressure conversion to seal the result for Kabras.