Nondies beat Quins to reach Kenya Cup semis

From ascending from the second-tier KRU Championship just a season ago to making a resounding return to the top tier by reaching the Kenya Cup semifinals, the narrative of 17-time champions Nondescripts is nothing short of remarkable.

Their journey took another significant turn on Saturday, March 16, 2024, as they triumphed over hosts Kenya Harlequin in a tightly contested Top 6 playoff clash at the RFUEA Ground, clinching a hard-fought 26-20 victory.

The result propelled them into a semifinal showdown next weekend against defending champions Kabras Sugar in Kakamega.

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Right from the onset, the white shirts displayed their determination, with former Quins player Dominic Osino scoring a try and Moseti Nyaenya converting within the first four minutes, giving Nondies a 7-0 lead.

Despite Evin Asena's penalty narrowing the gap to 7-3 for Quins at the 20-minute mark, the game took a pivotal turn when Quins' winger Zeden Marrow received a red card, reducing them to 14 men.

Nondies' Alex Devereux was also sent to the sin bin just before halftime, allowing Quins to take advantage and lead 13-7 at the break after Asena converted Richel Wangila’s try.

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Although Quins extended their lead to 20-7 early in the second half with Asena's conversion of Meshack Tunnechi’s try, their momentum faltered when Wangila was binned. Meanwhile, Nondies regained their full complement with Devereux's return.

Charles Omondi, brought on as a second-half replacement, scored Nondies' second try, followed by Nyaenya converting Fred Shisia’s try, bringing the score to 20-19 with 14 minutes remaining.

As Quins pressed forward to secure a buffer, Nondies' staunch defense held firm, denying their opponents access to the tryline.

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With the momentum swinging in their favor, Nondies surged into Quins' territory, and Steve Odhiambo powered over the try line, securing the victory with Nyaenya's conversion.

Elsewhere, leading 16-0 at the interval, Menengai Oilers returned to the Kenya Cup semis with a 26-10 win over Kenyatta University Blak Blad at the Nakuru Showground.

Abutwalib Wesonga drilled over three penalties before converting Tyson Maina’s try to give the hosts the 16-0 lead at the break.

Wesonga converted Harold Ojango’s try before adding his fourth penalty to take Oilers 26-0 up as Blad responded with a try from Obat Kuke converted by Kelvin Karue who also drilled home a penalty.

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Reporting by Kenya Cup