The cubs of KCB charged to the top of the ESS standings after beating the Catullus of Strathmore 33-23 in a hard fought match at the Lion’s den. That loss saw the Catullus drop to third, with Nakuru II jumping into second after a narrow 19-12 win against the Arturos of Quins.
Mwamba II kept a hold of the last play-off spot after a 24-0 walk over result against Mombasa II, Nondies II, Impala II and Western Bulls II also benefited from similar situations. After those results, Western Bulls were the biggest beneficiaries jumping into sixth, a point behind Nondies II on 29 points.
Blad II recorded a 22-8 victory against Homeboyz II at the Blad Bin to stay in eighth on 23 points. That loss to Nakuru II saw any hopes the Arturos had of making it to the play offs as they now slide to seventh on the log with 25 points, 10 behind fourth placed Mwamba II.
The game between the Cubs and the Catullus did not disappoint one bit, as the game hang on a knife’s edge for long periods before the cubs turned on the after burners in the closing stages of the match to grab the result.
The hosts got things under way with a converted try in the opening exchanges, the Catullus were however quick in their response through a try of their own to make it 7-5 as the clock hit the 20th minute mark. From this point the Catullus were playing catch up and were doing a great job at staying in the game with the half time whistle went with the score reading 14-13 in favour of the cubs.
The Cubs and Catullus would continue trading blows as each touched down after the other, the hosts would stretch their lead to 6 points with a try, before the visitors replied through an unconverted try of their own to make it 19-18.
The Catullus would soon turn the tide and take the lead for the first time in the match and score the bonus point try at 23-19. With the clock ticking away the Catullus looked to hold on for what was going to be a great victory here.
The Cubs were however not to be denied as they put in two quick converted tries to ensure that they kept their dominance over the Catullus going with a 33-23 final result. It was an evenly matched out contest with the Cubs having the experience to tip the balance. The likes of Edwin Alubaka, George Asin, Marlin Mulokwe, Stafford Abeka, Collins Wanjala and Michael Omondi instrumental in the cubs charge.
This match looked like the preview to the final, with these two the favourites to end the Arturos recent dominance in this league. The Cubs now lead the log on 49 points with Nakuru II on 48 points, the Catullus are on 46 points in third.
Up next the cubs travel to Nakuru in what promises to be another cracker of a match.
Collated Results :
Mwamba II 24-0 Mombasa II
KCB II 33-23 Strathmore II
Quins II 12-19 Nakuru II
Nondies II 24-0 Eldoret II
Impala II 24-0 Kisumu II
W.Bulls 24-0 Machine II
Homeboyz II 8-22 Blakblad II
KWISHA….Nimeruka Nje!!
