Champs KCB, Homeboyz secure semis berth

KCB's Nick Ongeri (right) charges past Kabras Sugar's Paul Abuto during their Kenya Cup match on February 24, 2018 at KCB Sports Club. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Champions Kenya Commercial Bank's (KCB) and Homeboyz rolled out comprehensive wins on Saturday to seal their home Kenya Cup semi-final berths.
  • It was a thriller as KCB forwards exploded with quality mauling, touching down five tries to crush visiting Kabras Sugar 41-12 in a pulsating showdown at KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka.
  • At Jamhuri Park, Homeboyz scored 19 tries for a record-breaking 123-11 victory against visiting Mombasa.

Champions Kenya Commercial Bank's (KCB) and Homeboyz rolled out comprehensive wins on Saturday to seal their home Kenya Cup semi-final berths.

It was a thriller as KCB forwards exploded with quality mauling, touching down five tries to crush visiting Kabras Sugar 41-12 in a pulsating showdown at KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka.

At Jamhuri Park, Homeboyz scored 19 tries for a record-breaking 123-11 victory against visiting Mombasa.

Hooker Peter Karia, second-row Nick Ongeri, open-side flanker Brian Nyikuli and Felix Ojoo all scored from rolling mauls.

Their efforts were supplement by fullback Darwin Mukidza’s open play try, four conversions and a penalty as KCB claimed their 10th consecutive victory, that saw them uphold their unbeaten run to stay at the top with 49 points.

Kabras Sugar coach Charles Cardovillis reacts during their Kenya Cup match against KCB on February 24, 2018 at KCB Sports Club. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

Kabras Sugar squandered try scoring opportunities as they failed to beat the bankers for the first time in Kenya Cup. They only managed two tries through Ugandan international full-back Philip Wokorach and George Nyambua.

“The victory is as a result of work done through a system with the forwards complementing the backs well,” said KCB coach Cutis Olago.

“It’s not done and dusted yet since we still have 25 percent that need correction.”

KCB captain Curtis Lilako warned his charges that even though they have sealed a home semi-final, the knock-out stage will be a different ball game altogether.

“We still have three crucial matches to retain our title. Wwe are not yet there,” said Lilako.

Paul Murunga’s Homeboyz side showed no mercy to visiting Mombasa as Leonard Mugaisi and Mark Wandeto scored four tries each, with Steve Otieno barging a hat trick of tries.

The victory enabled the Deejays consolidate their second place in the league with 44 points.

They now book an automatic home semi-final match due March 17 this year with one round to go. Kabras meet Blak Blad away, while KCB face Impala Saracens in the last round on Saturday.

Homeboyz have arguably an easy one against Strathmore Leos.

Kabras and Impala Saracens, who tie on 38 points each, will now cool their heels in the pre-semifinal play-off, where the winners will take on KCB and Homeboyz.

The Sarries edged out Strathmore Leos 23-10 at the Impala Sports Club to tie with Kabras and are followed by Kenya Harlequin, who thumped visiting Kisii 43-17 at the RFUEA grounds.

Quins improved their tally to 33 points and are followed with Strathmore Leos in sixth place with 25 points.

Nakuru, who are placed seventh, beat Nondies 24-11 to bolster their tally to 23 points and pile pressure on Strathmore.

Victory for Nakuru against Mwamba in their last match on Saturday should see them beat Strathmore to the last place in the play-off. That is if Strathmore falter against Homeboyz, but a win for them will lock Nakuru out.

Saturday's Results

Quins 43-17 Kisii; KCB 41-12 Kabras; Mwamba 34-20 Blak Blad; Homeboyz 123 – 11 Mombasa; Nakuru 24 – 11 Nondies; Impala 23 - 10 Strath