Kabras crowned Kenya Cup champs
Kabras Rugby club savored a second half comeback to win the 2021/22 title for a record second time from a hard fought match that had Fijian born, Jone Kubu put up a man of the match performance courtesy of 21 points to his name to also walk away with the top try scorer award after the 34-28 thriller.
The Sugar Millers head coach Jerome Muller was all praise about how his side stood to the test of Oilers kicking game plan in a match which positional switch and substitutions were urgent in the returning half after Oilers grabbed a shocking 18-8 lead.
The tactician is also confident the team will not stop at their second title but will now improve and earn a streak of titles to defend henceforth in what could be a 3-horse race going forward.
“It was a tough final and credit to the Oilers for such a good game, a final is always a hard game to play but we were experienced and mentally prepared for it and when we trailed at half time we had identified a few urgent changes and my boys fought for the trophy to the last minute.
This will definitely not be the last title, we are on a mastery path - it has taken us so much hard work and featuring in a number of finals to finally get this win and defending it is our next mission,” Kabras coach Jerome Muller told People Sports.
Half time lead
Just like in the case of the semis, Oilers head coach was after securing a crucial half time lead earned by two tries, a conversion, a penalty and a drop goal in a match that the visitors dared their opponents with upsetting scrum downs and even rolling mauls to give Kabras coach Jerome Muller a few chills from his observation position.
“Stepping in the final itself was a dream and necessary because winning it is what we are left to achieve next, for now I thank my boys and management for the good job this season.
We made the most out of the chances and ‘we had it’ all along but towards the end of the match Kabras was more composed and it became their turnover moment so the next time it will be all about how we kick off well and maintain the lead to the last minute,” Menengai Oilers head coach Gibson Weru told People Sports.
The Sugar Millers were the favorites but the side was forced to trail for close to three quarters before turning the game around in the last quarter of the match to bring up memories of their first title back in 2016.
Former champions KCB finished the season third after mauling Strathmore 52-22 at their Ruaraka den, the Bankers skipper Darwin Mukidza earned the title to the top points scorer for his performance.
