Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) RFC clinched their 10th Impala Floodlit title on Saturday night after a thrilling 25-23 victory over Nondescripts RFC.
Hyped as the ideal prelude to the Rugby World Cup final, the match lived up to its billing, seeing both sides engage in a fierce battle from the opening whistle.
Seeking their third consecutive title defence, KCB took an early lead in the first half as Peter Kilonzo scored a try, converted by Darwin Mukidza. However, Nondies swiftly responded with two penalty goals by Calvin Sheunda, keeping the score at 7-6 in favour of KCB.
The intensity continued into the second half, with Mukidza adding to KCB’s lead with a penalty goal. Sheunda contributed another penalty, narrowing the gap to 10-9. Mukidza further extended KCB’s lead to 13-9 with two consecutive penalty goals.
Nondies displayed persistence, scoring through Moseti Nyaena, and converting the penalty to level the scores, sending the match into sudden death extra time.
Mukidza’s exceptional performance saw him secure two more penalty goals in the first half of extra time, pushing KCB to a 22-16 advantage. His precise kicking continued in the latter part, scoring another penalty, increasing the lead to 25-16.
Regardless of a late converted try by Charles Odhiambo, putting Nondies on the brink of a comeback, they couldn’t replicate their 2010 victory over KCB for the Floodlit title.
The final score stood at 25-23, favouring KCB, although Nondies received acclaim for their valiant effort in challenging the title-holders.
