Enterprise Cup Finals: KCB, Kabras to renew rivalry in vintage test
Arch rivals Kabras and KCB will lock horns in the second final this year when the Enterprise Cup culminates at the RFUEA on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
It will mark the 85th final in Kenya’s oldest rugby competition which was first played in 1930. Only COVID-19 (2020-21), the All-African Games (1987), and World War II (1940-46) have prevented the competition from being played.
KCB last won against the Millers in 2017, posting a 27-23 score. Homeboyz would win the 2018 edition before Kabras won the 2019, 2022 and 2023 editions. Kabras last lost a match in 2018 against Impala.
Kabras, KCB journey into finals
Kabras were dominant in the semis, putting seven tries past a stunned Nondies side at the Kakamega Showground. Barry Robinson stole the spotlight with a hat trick of tries to top a majestic performance at fly-half.
Both KCB and Kabras had relatively easy runs to the semis, the Kakamega side undoubtedly getting the easier part. Mwamba awarded Kabras a walkover in the round of 16 before Strathmore failed to show up for the quarter-final showdown.
KCB had to stage a comeback at the KCB Ruaraka grounds to see off Kenya Harlequins 32-18 in a hotly contested semifinal encounter. The bankers balancing experience with youthfulness within their ranks will be keen to improve on their slow start from this weekend when they face three-time Enterprise Cup winners Kabras who boast of massive experience
The Bankers had to go through Catholic Monks 70-3 at the Den before whipping Northern Suburbs 65-7 at the same venue to book Nondies in the semis.
Pivot points
With Brian Wahinya still out of the picture, the bankers will likely rely on Amunga who spent most of his time in the midfield during the regular season. KCB continued Levy Amunga's deployment at fly-half ahead of Elvis Namusasi who moved to fullback for the Quins assignment, showing the intent of using both in the final.
Amunga played at fly-half in the just concluded Rugby Super Series where he looked far off his mark but showed improvement over the two games. The bankers will rely on Namusasi’s accuracy from the boot in what may prove to be the difference.
Barry's recent switch to fly half in the absence of Jone Kubu seems to be paying off, with impressive performances first at home for Buffaloes against Rhinos before following up with another stellar show against Nondies.
Barry will be largely buoyed by an experienced midfield pairing of Walter Okoth and Ntabeni Dukisa whose footy skills will be in great demand for the Sugar Men this weekend.
KCB have been off their element in the recent past as they undergo a transition with most of their senior players phasing out. The quality in their ranks is enough to properly match up with Kabras.
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