Bankers beat Nakuru to win 30th edition of Great Rift rugby
KCB RFC humbled Nakuru RFC 24-10 to clinch the 2023 Great Rift Rugby 10-aside tournament in a pulsating final at the Nakuru Athletics Club yesterday afternoon.
Isaac Njoroge’s brace, Festus Shiasi and Emmanuel Opondo’s tries were enough to seal the win for the Andrew Amonde-led side.
Njoroge who was instrumental in inspiring KCB to glory in the competition was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 30th edition of the Great Rift Rugby 10-aside tournament.
Varsity side Blak Blad of Kenyatta University finished third having cruised 17-10 past their counterparts University of Nairobi (Mean Machine) in a third place playoff match.
Speaking after guiding his team to glory in his first assignment as a coach, former Shujaa Captain Andrew Amonde said: “This is an unbelievable fete for us as a team. We came here with an objective to win the competition and everyone in the team has played his part. We are happy for the win; we will celebrate for now before we start preparations for the National Sevens Circuit which is just around the corner.”
Amonde said the involvement of rookies Brian Munyali Fidel Maina, and Gabriel Namusasi together as well as experienced players Martin Owilah, Isaac Njoroge, Geoffrey Okwach among others was a masterstroke to ensure that the bankers claimed victory.
“The young players who were given an opportunity to showcase their skills in this tournament have rightfully done so. I am proud of them, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this team. The leadership of captain Martin Owilah was also important for us because the team remained solid throughout the competition,” added Amonde.
KCB will shift focus to the upcoming National Sevens Circuit that is set to kick off on June 24 in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
