•. Buyachi said they have the momentum to go all the way and win the championship which has resumed after a 10-year hiatus.
•Despite the loss, Lions' Obat Kuke was named player of the match and his coach believes he can only get better.
Cheetahs coach Lawrence Buyachi has hailed his side's fighting spirit and character after their 18-16 win over Lions in the Rugby Super Series in Nakuru on Saturday.
The former international saw his side vault to the top of the log with eight points after two wins. Buyachi said they have the momentum to go all the way and win the championship which has resumed after a 10-year hiatus.
"We gave the game our very best despite the boys not executing the game plan to the letter,” said Buyachi.
The former Nakuru and Impala forward was full of praise for fullback and mercurial kicker Quinto Ongo, who scored eight key points— two penalties and a conversion —in a nail-biting contest at the Nakuru Athletic Club.
"Quinto is a very important player for us and his kicks are perfect. He did very well for us and we look forward to his future performances," added Buyachi.
On his part, Lions coach Oliver Mangeni expressed his frustrations with the result but appreciated the fact that his team gave a good account of themselves.
“The weather was good and we had an opportunity to play good rugby. So we did not expect to get the result we got,” said Mang’eni.
Despite the loss, Lions' Obat Kuke was named player of the match and his coach believes he can only get better.
“Kuke can only get better. With the performances he is putting in, he should be in the Kenya Simbas conversation,” concluded Mang’eni.
Try scorers for the Cheetahs were Tyson Maina and Beldad Ogeta with Ongo adding two penalties and a conversion. Phillip Okeyo added a penalty in the match they trailed 3-0 at the interval.
On their part, the Lions' points came via Manasseh Oduor's try with Elvis Namusasi slotting home three penalties and a conversion.
In the other match, Kabras utility back Griffin Chao scored a brace as the Buffaloes franchise inflicted a second defeat on the Rhinos with a 27-21 victory at the same venue.
Action continues next weekend in the final pool phase matches with the Buffaloes hosting the Lions and the Cheetahs facing the Rhinos in Kakamega. The final is slated for May 25 at the RFUEA ground.