Two second half tries and a drop goal was all that UAP Kifaru needed to stun Nguvu Papa 15-0 and lift the 12th Bamburi Rugby Super Series title for the first time at an entertaining match played Saturday at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds.
Kifaru varsity team brought players from Strathmore Leos, Mean Machine among other varsity players jelled well to bring down the hitherto unbeaten Nguvu Papa team composed of KCB, Mwamba and Homeboyz players.
Harun Lubisia opened the scores for Kifaru that features players from the University sides through a drop goal in the 12th minute before captain Rocky Aguko touched down in the 64th for George Mutuku to convert.
Brad Oduako hammered the final nail on the coffin with a try 10 minutes later to see the Students earn a sweet revenge to a team that had beaten them 8-6 in Group B opener.
“The game was tight and Kifaru proved to be the best team since they won. We had beat them in the group stages but today was their day.”
“At half time I told the boys they had to style up since we were not functioning well in the first half despite dominating the territory and I’m glad they followed the instructions and the tries came.
“It’s a good revenge from Kakamega and its fantastic since it’s the first time a University side has ever lifted this trophy and given the pedigree of players who play in the Division two. They have proved the critics wrong,” elated Kifaru assistant coach Tito Oduk stated after the win.
“We did not underrate them it’s only that my players did not listen to the coach advice. We were hoping for a comeback in the second half but Kifaru made good use of their chances and emerged victors. It was not our day and we have respect for them,” disappointed Papa Team Manager Oscar Mango said.
Kifaru entered the clash motivated after edging out champions Ndovu 22-19 in the semis with fly half Lubisia breaking the deadlock with a drop goal for a 3-0 lead.
Alvin Otieno could have extended the lead for Kifaru in the 38th when Pius Shiundu fed him but failed to beat Papa’s defence as the students held on for a 3-0 lead at the break.
Charles Ngovi charges resumed attacking forcing Papa to go for the first substitution bringing on Essau Otieno for Shabani Ahmed but that did not add any effect as they conceded a penalty that Mutuku missed.
Ngovi introduced Mwamba full back Brian Kivasia who changed the game and his presence was felt immediately as he was instrumental with a fine pass to Aguko who broke through but was hacked down by Peter Kepher.
His hard work was rewarded five minutes later when he powered through from the scrum down to put the ball in the line for the first try of the match as Mutuku did well to convert for a 10-0.
The Mean Machine skipper missed two conversions from penalties but Oduako touched the white wash from another scrum only for Mutuku’s conversion to go wide six minute to the hooter as they held on to edge out favourites Papa that featured players from KCB, Mwamba and Homeboyz who were unbeaten.
