Kabras defeat Quins to win Charity Cup

Kabras Sugar’s new signing Derrick Ashiundu was among the try scorers as the Kakamega-based side claimed the Sisimka Charity Cup with a 29-10 win over 14-man Kenya Harlequin at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

Having been signed from Western Bulls at the end of the 2019-20 Kenya Cup season, the speedy Ashiundu started the match on the right wing but had to wait until the second half to get his first try for his new employers.

Kabras, who are coached by Zimbabwean Mzingaye Nyathi, scored five tries and two conversions while Quins managed one converted try and a single penalty.

Kenya Harlequins’ Patrice Agunda evades a challenge from a Kabras opponent during the Sisimka Charity Cup at the Nyayo Stadium on February 20,2021.Photo: [Kenya Harlequin]

Quins’ indiscipline proved costly as they were forced to complete the match a man less after inside centre Leroy Kamau was red carded in the second half.

New signing Ervin Asena, who was roped in from Homeboyz ,opened the scoring for Quins with a penalty early in the match before the sugar millers responded through Jone Kubu’s try although the diminutive Fijian failed to add the extras with his boot.

In what was the first competitive match for both sides since rugby in Kenya was suspended in March last year, Quins, who received a chance to play the season curtain-raiser following the withdrawal of KCB, found it hard to make meaningful inroads into their opponent’s territory and they were punished by Hillary Odhiambo who crossed the whitewash for his team’s second try that was converted by Kubu.

Kenya Harlequin prop Bonface Ochieng’ (left) handles the ball during the Sisimka Charity Cup clash against Kabras Sugar at the Nyayo Stadium on February 20,2021.Photo: [Kenya Harlequin]

Ashiundu’s try was the first of the second half before Nyathi’s charges took control of the match by adding two unconverted tries through Brian Juma and Kenyan international George Nyambua.

Asena then converted Dennis Muhanji’s try as Quins reduced the deficit to 19 points.

Kabras and Quins now shift focus to the 2021 Kenya Cup campaign which starts next weekend with the Ngong Road outfit facing Menengai Oilers while Kabras entertains neighbours Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) who are set for their maiden season in the top tier.

Teams

Quins: 1. Elisha Koronya 2. Brian Waraba 3. Melvin Thairu 4. Hillary Baraza 5.Wilson K’opondo 6.Patrice Agunda 7.Edward Shitanda 8.Joshua Chisanga 9.Xavier Kipng’etich 10.Ervin Asena 11.Dennis Muhanji 12.Leroy Kamau 13.David Ambunya 14.Mark Wandetto 15.Brian Oyando

Replacements: 16.Ayub Kimutai 17.Boniface Ochieng 18.Mohammed Khaider 19.Roxy Dan Suchi 20.Mark Omoding 21.Dominic Osino 22.Lyle Asiligwa 23.Dennis Ambitho

Kabras: 1. Ephraim Oduor 2. Eugene Sifuna 3. Asuman Mugerwa 4. Brian Juma 5. Hillary Odhiambo 6. Dan Sikuta 7. George Nyambua 8. Lawrence Buyachi 9. Brian Tanga 10. Jone Kubu 11. Paul Abuto 12. Johnstone Mawe 13. Malik Habil 14. Derrick Ashiundu 15. Felix Ayange

Replacements: 16.Teddy Akala 17. Hillary Mwanjilwa 18.Joseph Odero 19.Kevin Wekesa 20.Jeason Musoga 21.Barry Robinson 22.Kevin Keegan 23.Alfred Orege