Resolution Kisii RFC begun their journey back to Kenya Cup with a hard fought 11-3 win over debutants Kitale RFC in a Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship match at Gusii Stadium.
A dazzling Aggrey Kitoi was the ‘Man of the Match’ scoring two penalties and a try to hand Kisii a deserved victory while Jeremy Chimwoni scored the lone penalty for the visitors. Kitoi gave Kisii the lead in the 20th minute from a penalty but the lead was short-lived as Chimwoni replied seven minutes later. The teams went into the second half deadlocked at 3-3.
In the second half, Kisii, coached by Eric Bosire, continued with their dominance but Kitale remained resilient. However, Kitale’s hearts were broken when Kitoi crossed the whitewash for an unconverted try. “The players were a bit rusty because we didn’t play any pre-season match. We made a lot of mistakes but we want to rectify before our game against Western Bulls next weekend,” said Bosire.
Kitale chairman Ben Amboko said: “We head home with our heads high. Restricting a team that has played in Kenya Cup was not easy. We started our preparations two weeks after the County Government of Trans Nzoia and other well-wishers pledged for support us,” said Amboka.
He thanked Governor Patrick Khaemba and other well-wishers for supporting the team. Former Kenya Cup side, Kisumu RFC edged Moi University’s Trojans 20-9.
Kisumu scored through Maurice Osano, who crossed the whitewash twice with Felix Otieno converting a try before Lenny Obiero scored a penalty. The hosts replied through Sirnile Luvutse, who scored two penalties and a drop goal.
Kisumu’s new coach Howard Okwemba said: “”We are looking to return to Kenya Cup. Our systems are working and the boys are responding well to new patterns.”
Trojans coach Kelvin Otieno conceded defeat, saying Kisumu were the better side. In other matches, former Kenya Cup side Mombasa RFC defeated Ngong Warriors 13-17 while Western Bulls narrowly edged hosts Masinde Murilo University and Science and Technology 15-14. Both teams had a player sent off. Catholic Monks edged South Coast Pirates 19-17 in a closely contested game at Ukunda while USIU beat Egerton Wasps 15-6.
In KRU Nationwide, hosts Bungoma battled to a 10-10 draw with Citam Kisumu while Maseno University hit Shieywe 17-0. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology thrashed Homa Bay RFC 32-8.