KCB cut Kabras to size to reclaim Kenya Cup title

Kabras Sugar versus KCB carried a sense it was a battle between Kenya Cup holders and the division’s champions-elect and at the end of an enthralling final at the Lions Den on Saturday, Curtis Olago’s men had delivered a performance worthy of the 2017 crown.

A sterling KCB side pulled off a dominant 36-8 victory to dethrone 2016 champions Kabras with the scoreline betraying the gulf in class that has separated these two sides over the now concluded Kenya Cup season.

The Bankers received a cash reward of Ksh5m from their sponsor for the triumph that saw them take their Kenya Cup titles to five, adding to titles won in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2015.

KCB almost went on the scoreline first but Darwin Mukidza’s kick went wide after an infringement by the Millers.

They were on the scoreboard soon after when another indiscretion by Kabras gifted Mukidza the chance to break the deadlock with a penalty.

With 11 minutes into the game, Jacob Ojee scored KCB’s first try after some good interplay with Mukidza. Mukidza’s conversion missed its target by inches for an 8 – 0 lead.

A knock-on by Kabras with possession gifted KCB’s Oliver Mangeni the chance to gather the lose ball and score the his side’s second try with Mukidza adding the extras for a 15 – 0 advantage.

Kabras finally got on the scoreboard courtesy of a penalty kick by Ugandan Phillip Wokorach to take the tie to 15 – 3.

Michael Wanjala almost grabbed KCB’s third try but he was tackled a meter from the try line. The Bankers, however, were not to be denied moments before the break for a 22 – 3 half-time lead.

In the second half, Kabras found their rhythm as Wokorach scored Kabras’ first try after a patient build up but team mate Ivan Chirabu missed the resultant conversion to reduce the deficit to 14 points.

The Bankers restored their advantage following a well worked maul for a  27 – 8 advantage. Mukidza stretched the lead with the resultant conversion.

The Kabras technical bench made the necessary substitutions and Kenya sevens international Brian Tanga was brought in.

The diminutive half back’s impact was felt immediately as he  injected pace into the backline. Oliver Mangeni scored the bankers 5th try to put the match beyond reach 3 minutes from time as Mukidza converted for an unassailable lead 36 -8 lead. The try took the wind off Kabras’ sails as they relinquished their title to their bitter rivals