Nondies shock Quins for the second weekend in a row to qualify for their first semi-final in over 10 years as Menengai Oilers nonchalantly sail into semis with Black Blad win.
Nondescripts RFC delivered an outstanding performance to claim a 38-22 victory over Kenya Harlequin in the 2024/25 Kenya Cup quarterfinals at Ngong Racecourse on Saturday, March 22. This crucial win secured their place in the semifinals, where they will face defending champions Kabras RFC on Saturday, March 29.
In another quarterfinal clash, Menengai Oilers also secured their spot in the last four with a 38-18 triumph over Blak Blad at the Nakuru ASK Showground. The Oilers will now prepare for a high-stakes semifinal match against KCB Rugby for a chance to advance to the final.
Nondies Edge Past Quins in a Fierce Quarterfinal Clash
The highly anticipated matchup between Nondescripts and Kenya Harlequin lived up to expectations, with Quins determined to avenge their previous losses. However, Nondies once again asserted their dominance, extending their winning streak over Quins to five consecutive games.
The match began with Nondescripts taking an early lead through a penalty conversion by Bruce Odhiambo following an infringement by Quins. The response from Quins was swift, as their forwards worked tirelessly to set up Frank Aduda, who crashed over for a try. Faran Juma successfully slotted the conversion, putting Quins ahead at 7-3.
Quins continued to pile pressure and extended their lead to 10-6 after another penalty conversion from Juma. However, Nondescripts remained composed, and Odhiambo added two more penalties, edging his side ahead at 12-10.
The momentum swung further in Nondies’ favor when Charles Omondi sliced through the Quins defense to score their first try of the match. Odhiambo added the conversion, further strengthening their lead. Quins, determined to stay in the contest, responded immediately with Richel Wangila touching down for a well-worked try. Juma converted successfully, keeping the game finely poised.
By halftime, Nondies held a narrow 19-17 lead, setting up an intense second half.
Second Half: Nondies Take Control
Quins resumed play with renewed energy and quickly regained the lead through a try from Adam Mugo. However, they failed to convert, leaving the score at 22-19 in favor of Quins.
Nondies responded in emphatic fashion, as Yusuf Abdulahi bulldozed his way past the Quins’ defense to secure a crucial try. Their captain, Stephen Odhiambo, then capitalized on a defensive lapse, darting through to score under the posts, extending Nondies’ lead even further.
With momentum firmly in their favor, Nondies continued to press forward. Tony Owuor added another try, and Daniel Okito took advantage of a handling error from Quins to dive over the line for five more points. Odhiambo converted one of the tries, solidifying Nondies’ advantage.
Nondies extend their lead as Tony Owuor goes over for a center post try. Bruce converts.
Nondies 33 – Quins 22#KenyaCup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/ZskUI7mZCX
— Kenya Cup (@TheKenyaCup) March 22, 2025
 Despite their best efforts, Quins struggled to turn possession into points, with handling errors proving costly. Their hopes of mounting a late comeback were dashed when a forward pass nullified what could have been a crucial converted try.
At the final whistle, Nondescripts emerged victorious with a commanding 38-22 win, sealing their place in the semifinals against Kabras RFC.
Oilers Cruise Past Blak Blad to Secure Semifinal Spot
In another quarterfinal matchup, Menengai Oilers delivered a dominant performance to defeat Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 38-18 at the Nakuru ASK Showground. The Oilers were in control from the start, displaying superior attacking skills and tactical execution that overwhelmed their opponents.
After hard fought battles @MenengaiOilers and @Nondies book themselves slots in the #KenyaCup Semis. pic.twitter.com/6It3moSydO
— Kenya Cup (@TheKenyaCup) March 22, 2025
Blak Blad showed flashes of resilience, but the Oilers’ physicality and structured play proved too strong. With this win, the Oilers secured a semifinal showdown with KCB Rugby at the KCB Sports Club on Saturday, March 29.
With the Kenya Cup semifinals now set, rugby fans can look forward to an electrifying weekend as the competition heats up, with the best teams battling for a place in the final.
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