Nakuru's RFC Brian Kimani on the charge during a recent match Nakuru RFC head coach Donald Aluoch says their hard-fought 32–30 victory over Nondescripts will inject vital momentum into their campaign as they prepare for the next round of fixtures.
Nakuru, who had suffered narrow defeats to Quins (23–18) and Blak Blad (21–10), registered their first win of the season on Saturday. Aluoch believes the breakthrough signals a turning point.
“Our first two games of the season were competitive, and it was unfortunate to lose to Quins and Blad. But the players showed character and the right mentality against a quality Nondies side to come away with the victory,” he said.
The coach highlighted marked improvement in their set-piece execution, an area they had prioritised in training. “Improvement in the scrum and lineout was key for us. We were able to win our ball cleanly, disrupt theirs, and when opportunities came, we executed. Defensively, our one-on-one tackles and overall commitment were crucial,” he added.
Nakuru started brightly, racing to a 13–0 lead through a try by Ike Amaya, with Javan Otieno slotting the conversion and two penalties. But Nondies regrouped quickly, with Stormy Odhiambo and Francis Mutuku touching down, while Tony Fidens added a penalty to give the hosts a 15–13 advantage at halftime.
The second half began disastrously for Nakuru—nicknamed Wanyore—as they were reduced to 14 men, and Nondies capitalised. Ryan Odua and John Mark Owiti scored a try each to stretch the lead to 25–13.
Aluoch’s men, however, refused to fold. Felix Okoth sparked the comeback with a well-worked try, but Nondies responded again through Odhiambo, restoring a 12-point cushion heading into the final quarter. Nakuru finished with a flourish.
Okoth crossed for his second before Kenya Sevens international Chrisant Ojwang powered over for a late try. Otieno then held his nerve with a last-gasp conversion to seal a dramatic, unlikely win. In other Kenya Cup results, champions Kabras posted their biggest score of the season with a 123–0 demolition of Impala.
Log leaders Menengai Oilers thrashed Kisumu 69–3, KCB overpowered Strathmore Leos 72–14, and Blak Blad edged Quins 40–28. Focus now shifts to the Enterprise Cup Round of 16 scheduled for this Saturday.
