By Mahlon Lichuma
Strathmore Leos withstand a late Blad surge to secure a hard-fought 32–30 away victory to send out a nearly unclear seasonal message.
Strathmore Leos opened their season on a strong note, registering the first points of the match through a penalty that put them 3–0 ahead. KU Blak Blad hit back almost immediately, grounding the first try of both their season and the tournament to swing the score to 7–3 in their favour.
The visitors, keen to make an early statement, capitalised on a well-executed lineout set piece to reclaim an 8–7 lead. Leos kept pressing and added another converted try, stretching the advantage to 15–7. Maintaining composure, Strathmore struck again this time from a scrum to push the score to 20–7.
Blak Blad narrowed the gap with a penalty, bringing it to 20–10, before finishing the half strongly with a converted try that cut the deficit to 20–17 at the break.
Strathmore resumed the second half with renewed intent, scoring another try as the hosts responded through two successful penalties to bring the tally to 27–23 in favour of the visitors.
Determined to seal the win, the Leos landed yet another try to extend their lead to 32–23. Blad kept the contest alive with a converted try that closed the margin to 32–30, but the final whistle arrived before they could complete the comeback, handing Strathmore a narrow but deserved victory.
English