Strathmore University 27 Blak Blad 13
The Catulus took a 17-0 lead at half time through converted tries from Brian Alukwe and Samuel Njenga before Peter Munyi added a penalty to his two conversions.
When Ginton Adongo scored an unconverted for a 22-0 score, it seemed that Strathmore were home and dry but their opponents Kenyatta University smelt blood, rattling the Catulus with a quickfire 13 points by way of Ronald Omondi and Lewis Karanja’s unconverted tries before Wesley Kidiga added a penalty.
Cris Kinini scored for Strathmore, a try that not only put a safe buffer between them and Blak Blad but more importantly secured the result.
USIU 13 Mean Machine 6
USIU edged fancied Mean Machine 13-6 to set up a final date against Strathmore University. The Thika Road side made the most of a disjointed Machine outfit’s first half display, racing into an 8-3 lead at the breather. Machine’s Kevin Otieno and USIU’s Dan Dindi traded penalties as the teams were tied 3-3 but with USIU dominating possession and territory, it was inevitable that they would score, Lomodong Thomas the try scorer.
Second half action saw Machine cut the deficit to two points courtesy of a penalty. They would continue to look threatening, but let down by individualistic play and poor decision-making in the final third of the pitch.
USIU would make the game secure with a try that epitomized counter attacking rugby. Machine lost possession deep in USIU territory, Safari Maitha racing clear to touch down and knock Machine out of the tournament.
There was also action in the schools competition, Laiser Hill beating MFA 37-3 as Ofafa beat Mang’u 27-0.
