Defending champions KCB staged a fine show to keep a direct semi-final lot dream alive, after beating a spirited Western Bulls side 29-8 in the 12th round of Kenya Cup action staged at The Bull Ring in Kakamega.
It was the bankers who opened the scoring ten minutes into the game, Michael Wanjala with some good ball handling to open Elphas Otieno, who beat two defenders to score just metres off the right touch line. Jacob Ojee added the extras for a 7-0 lead.
The bankers were at it again minutes later, this time the forwards with great phase plays, Davis Chenge setting up Oliver Mangeni who outmuscled Echulusi’s defence to score for a 12-0 KCB lead. Ojee missed the extras to sent the game to 12-0 at the break.
Echulusi had a chance to register their first points of the game immediately after the break after a ball handling error from the bankers, but Eliab Barasa sent the kicked wide, scores remaining 12-0.
The bankers were back at the score board again after their territorial play paid off, Felix Ojoo and Oliver Mangeni dotting down for the bankers third and fourth tries, the scores now 24-3
Echulusis hard fought efforts finally paid off, after superb set play from the backs to open Treasure Odundo to score. Eliab Barasa missed the convertion to send the scores to 24-8
The bankers had the last say, Shaban Ahmed evading tackles to score an uncoverted try, to seal the game at 29-8.
Western Bulls: 1. Elvis Wekesa 2. Bretty Kamadi 3. Miller Oroto 4. Collins Ogutu 5. Robert Awich 6.Treasure Odundo 7. Andrew Odhiambo 8. Teddy Akala 9. Jevon Okoth 10. Isaac Wafula 11. Jeff Njite 12. Derrick Ashiundu 13. Brighton Bakasa 14. Hillary Okwemba 15. Eliab Barasa
Replacements: 16. Kevin Manase 17. Brian Okute 18. Javan Osango 19. Bruce Endovo 20. Derrick Lukale 21. Nickson Manduku 22. Nygel Pattersan 23. Byrum Mukhonyi
KCB Squad: 1. Ouko Patrick 2.James Ochieng 3. Nelson Nyandat 4. Shady Munoko 5. Oliver Mangeni 6. Felix Ojoo 7. Rocky Aguko 8. Davis Chenge (C) 9. Michael Wanjala 10. Shaban Ahmed 11. Jacob Ojee 12. Esau Otieno 13. Kilonz0 Peter 14. Tony Onyango 15. Elphas Otieno
Replacements: 16. George Asin 17. Amusala Moses 18. Juma Derrick 19. Brody Kagia 20. Wamae Steve 21. Mukaisi Elly 22. Felix Wanjala 23. Collins Wanjala
