MMUST new Nationwide League champs

Kakamega County Senator Cleophas Malala (right) with MMUST players after they won the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Nationwide League final match against Kitale RFC at MMUST grounds on May 19, 2017. PHOTO | TITUS MAERO |

What you need to know:

  • The students defeated Kitale RFC 27-6 in a fiercely contested final that at MMUST grounds on Saturday.
  • Fullback Felix Okumu crossed over to put the victors 5-0 ahead barely five minutes into the match.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology are the new champions of the Kenya Rugby Union Nationwide League.

The students defeated Kitale RFC 27-6 in a fiercely contested final that at MMUST grounds on Saturday.

Fullback Felix Okumu crossed over to put the victors 5-0 ahead barely five minutes into the match.

Kitale’s scrumhalf Aloyce Oduko reduced the deficit to two points with a successful penalty.

MMUST, who put up a tactical game, quickly replied with another try via first centre Ian Mukazi.

Cheered on by a large crowed, Okumu widened the score margin for the host with his second try.

The university side’s went further ahead when outside centre Morris Marathi danced through for a touch down to finish the first half well in charge.

Kitale’s winger Leonard Khamati drilled over a penalty soon after the restart.

But any evidence of a comeback was quickly erased as MMUST mounted a telling attack to cross the line with Samuel Mbeche taking the credit for the try.

MMUST head coach Ochieng Ahaya said they deserved to win as they displayed a more superior game.  “All departments worked well according to my instructions of play,” he said after the match.

Kitale tactician Ben Amkoko noted with regret that they lost the match.

“We had prepared well for the encounter but lack of focus among the players cost us the match,” he said.

MMUST Vice Chancellor Professor Fredrick Otieno attended the match.