Menengai Oilers' coach Gibson Weru is blaming defensive lapses for their 33-16 defeat in an entertaining Kenya Cup match over the weekend.
The defeat saw the Nakuru-based side suffer their first defeat of the season, leaving them tied in third with Quins on 28 points —seven behind champions Kabras.
Weru admitted his side fell off in the last 20 minutes in a pulsating contest. “I believe the final quarter of the game is where we made several errors. Our setpiece fell apart and we could not dominate up front. We also gave a couple of penalties in certain areas which hurt us,” he Weru.
The former Kenya Sevens playmaker said they will have to address certain facets if they are to finish third on the log and have a home quarterfinal play-off.
Four matches are lined up for the Oilers against Nondies, KCB, Kabras and Catholic Monks in the next month.
" We have some tricky fixtures coming up and the loss to Quins means we have to go back to the drawing board to see where we can improve. We must also ensure we are in peak condition by the time the playoffs arrive in March," said Weru.
Cornelius Mukoro was the toast for Quins, scoring 18 points from four penalties and two conversions. Richel Wangila and Mohammed Khaider scored a try each.
Oilers points came through Beldad Ogeta and John Okoth with each scoring a try. Winger Dennis Abukuse slotted home two penalties.
In other results, champions Kabras continued with their unbeaten run with a 66-7 demolition of Nakuru at the Kakamega showground.
Brian Juma and Matthew Osimbo scored a brace of tries with Alfred Orege, Brian Mutua Eugene Sifuna, Brian Tanga and Patrick Lumumba scoring a try each in the rout.
Ntabeni Dukisa, added five conversions while Eric Cantona slotted home three in the one-sided contest. Kabras led 33-7.
Former champions KCB made light work of Blak Blad, winning 47-8 as Nondies edged Strathmore Leos 21-20.
Mwamba continued with their good form with a 32-16 win over Catholic Monks while Homeboyz remained winless after a 16-16 stalemate with Kismumu RFC.
