The Strathmore Leos made their intentions of wanting to stay in the Kenya Cup on day one of the league as they gave defending champions a run for their money despite the 16-24 loss at the Lion’s Den.
It was captain Curtis Lilako who registered the first points of the match as he went over the whitewash for the host’s first try, with fly-half Shaban Ahmed adding the extras for a 7-0 lead. The Leos attacking pace saw them set camp in KCB’s red zone and an eventual try by Philemon Olang’ and conversion by Arnold Muita leveled the scores to 7-7. An infringement by KCB handed Strathmore an opportunity to take a three-point lead which they did as Andrew Matoka sliced the posts with such ease and composure. However, it was the Bankers who took back the lead at the stroke of halftime after a well-worked team try saw Isaac Njoroge land their second try but the conversion was unsuccessful. Half-time scores reading 12-10.
Come second half, Strathmore’s Arnold Muita drilled in two penalties leapfrogging to a 16-12 lead that they held on to for the better part of the second half. KCB however, scored two quick tries through Geoffrey Okwach and Michael Wanjala with Levi Amunga converting Wanjala’s try to confirm their 24-16 win.
Away in Nakuru Town, the Menengai Oilers handed Kenya Harlequins a 13-39 loss at the ASK Nakuru Showgrounds while Top Fry Nakuru beat Kenyatta University’s Blakblad 13-8 at the Nakuru Athletic Club.
Kabras Sugar RFC were the biggest winners of the day as they beat their town mates Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology 56-0 at the Kakamega Showgrounds.
Collated Day One scores
Menengai Oilers 39 – Kenya Harlequins 13
KCB 24 – Strathmore Leos 16
Top Fry Nakuru 13 – Blakblad 8
Kabras Sugar RFC 56 – MMUST 0
Photo: Lens Eye Images