Strathmore Leos staged a spirited comeback to defeat KRU Championship side Zetech Oaks 32-17 at the Strathmore Complex, booking their place in the Enterprise Cup quarterfinals in one of the few fully contested Round of 16 fixtures.
Zetech Oaks made a bright start, striking first through fullback Anderson Oduor, whose unconverted try handed Ramsfield Matekwa’s side a 5-0 lead. Leos responded with sustained pressure, scoring from close range before Oaks briefly regained the advantage through Brian Ondego to make it 10-5.
Strathmore grew into the contest and drew level before taking control late in the first half. A yellow card to a Zetech prop for a high tackle proved costly, as Gabriel Ayimba finished in the corner to hand the hosts a narrow halftime lead.
The Leos came out stronger after the break, extending their advantage through a sweeping scrum move before Amon Wamalwa set up Brian Mwendwa for a try near the posts, adding the conversion for a commanding lead. A fifth try sealed the contest at 32 points, with Zetech Oaks managing a late consolation to close the match at 32-17.
In other fixture, Kenya Harlequin also booked their quarterfinal spot after seeing off Catholic Monks 29-5 in another of the few matches played on the weekend.
The Round of 16 was largely overshadowed by walkovers, with defending champions Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers, Nakuru RFC, Nondescripts RFC, KU Blakblad and KCB Rugby all progressing without taking to the field.
With the quarterfinal lineup now confirmed, attention shifts to the last eight with heavyweights remain firmly in contention as the Enterprise Cup edges closer to its decisive stages.