The eighth round of the KRU Championship delivered thrilling action in Juja, as South Coast Pirates stunned hosts Zetech Oaks, while Mwamba RFC suffered a setback against JKUAT Cougars in a top-of-the-table showdown.
Pirates Hold Firm in Juja
Playing at the Zetech Grounds, the Diani based side showed grit and composure to secure a 22-13 victory over the Oaks.The visitors endured an early scare when winger Brian Maina was sent to the sin bin just ten minutes into the match for an intentional tap-down. Moments later, Fly-half Robin Odrua had the opportunity to hand Pirates the lead from the resulting penalty, but his effort sailed wide.
Pirates, however, struck first through captain Charles Tendwa, who finished off a well-worked move at the far post to give the visitors a 5-0 advantage. Zetech responded almost immediately with unconverted try to level the scores at 5-5 heading into the halftime break.
The second half saw Pirates shift gears. Brian Maina made amends for his earlier indiscretion, touching down to restore the lead at 10-5. Zetech kept within reach after slotting a penalty to narrow the deficit to 10-8.
Maina then completed his brace with another try, though the conversion attempt drifted wide, stretching the lead to 15-8. Pirates tightened their grip on the contest when Ali Rashid powered over for a crucial try, with Tendwa adding the extras for a commanding 22-8 cushion.
The hosts managed a late consolation try to make it 22-13, but it proved too little, too late as Pirates sealed an important away win.
Mwamba Fall in Title Clash
In the other headline fixture, Mwamba RFC fell 33-23 to JKUAT Cougars at the JKUAT Grounds in Juja. The clash, billed as a battle for supremacy at the summit, lived up to expectations, but it was the students who emerged victorious.
The defeat marked Mwamba’s second loss of the second leg, denting their momentum in the title race.
Looking ahead, Mwamba will host Zetech next weekend in a bid to bounce back, while Pirates turn their attention to a home fixture against Catholic University Monks (CUEA).
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