KCB And Homeboyz Big Movers After Match Day 9

KCB moved into second spot after a hard fought 24-22 win against Mwamba at the UoN grounds, to take full advantage of Strathmore’s failure to score a bonus point at their Madaraka back yard. In Eldoret Homeboyz outclassed their hosts 84-6 to jump two places into 5th place.

Other Match day 9 results saw Nondies deny Nakuru a bonus point for the first time this season though going down 19-8 at the Suguta Valley. The Leos were 20-10 winners against fourth placed Quins, Impala recorded their third win of the season, a 22-14 win against Blad.

Wilson Kopondo in action against Strathmore

Western Bulls piled the misery on Kisumu, handing the Kondele boys a 51-3 spanking at their Kisumu Polytechnic grounds. At the coast, Machine beat Mombasa 25-8 to move further away from the drop zone.

It was a seesaw affair at the UoN grounds with the lead changing hands 3 times before the final whistle. The Lions were faster off the blocks taking a 7-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes, Mwamba were quick in their reply, Lavin Asego at the centre of this one, a theme that would be upheld throughout the 80 minutes, 7-5. The black shirts would take a slim 8-7 lead into the break from a Lavin Asego penalty.

The first half saw Mwamba make the most from their opponent’s mistakes, the black shirts also matched the lion’s set pieces managing to disrupt any momentum the lions had built.

The second half saw the bankers come out roaring with two quick tries to lead 19-8 in the opening stages of the half. Again that man in the Rick Ross beard, Lavin Asego would slide through the KCB defence to release Peter Kepher between the sticks to make it 19-15.

Oliver Mangeni picking up a line out throw against Mwamba (Photo - Nation Media Group)
Oliver Mangeni picking up a line out throw against Mwamba (Photo – Nation Media Group)

 

Kulabu were growing in stature, dominating the lions at the contact area, as KCB started to fold, penalty kicks not finding touch, their penalty count also soaring. It was only a matter of time before Mwamba struck again, that man Lavin conducting the orchestra as Kulabu re took the lead at 22-19.

Time was ticking away as KCB started to look alive once again, winning a penalty at the centre, this time Steve Matioli doing no wrong in finding touch around Mwamba’s 22. The one area that KCB never suffered throughout the match was in the line outs, and this one was no different. Anthony Ogot raising to pick Peter Karia’s throw and set up a maul.

The rolling maul would steadily work it’s way the full 20 meters before Allan Omuka grounded the ball to hand his side a 24-22 lead. With precious little time left Kulabu threw the kitchen sink and the whole cutlery set at the game, knowing a penalty would snatch it. It was however not to be as the final whistle soon followed to hand the lions the 24-22 result.

Mwamba can be proud of this result though it did not go their way, they played a smart game, managing to slow down any momentum the lion’s built at the rucks and were efficient when handed the opportunity. The black shirts however slip to 7th and will have a tough time now working their way into the play offs.

Another close shave by the bankers who again looked out of sorts at the UoN grounds, that win takes them to second spot on course for a home semi-final. They will however need to improve on their set pieces, especially the scrums if they are to cause their next two opponents, Strathmore and Nakuru any trouble.

Man of The Match Lavin Asego in a previous match (Photo - Kulabu)
Man of The Match Lavin Asego in a previous match (Photo – Kulabu)

 

After Match day 9, I would almost say that the top three are already in the play offs, especially KCB who have the easier run in of the three. If anything is to change then it’s the order, with the possibility of the one dropping to fourth.

Quins are still in at fourth on 32 points, having played a game less than the teams around them. The quartered shirts are closely followed by Homeboyz on 26 who have a very easy run in and will fancy their chances for a spot at the play offs. Nondies on 25 points also with a manageable set of fixtures and Mwamba on 22 with a game in hand will also be in with a shout.

Match day 10 sees the leaders Nakuru travel to a ground they rarely win at, the RFUEA with Strathmore making the short trip to the Lion’s den.

KWISHA….Nimeruka Nje!!!

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Poghie

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