First Nakuru derby win gives Menengai Oilers hope for impressive campaign

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RUGBY First Nakuru derby win gives Menengai Oilers hope for impressive campaign

Joel Omotto 18:00 - 14.01.2024

Menengai Oilers’ confidence has been further boosted by their first derby win over local rivals Nakuru and they believe a Kenya Cup title is within reach

Menengai Oilers are keen to maintain their impressive Kenya Cup start until the end of the season and seal the title after winning their first Nakuru derby on Saturday.

Oilers came from behind to silence local rivals Nakuru RFC 19-8 at the Nakuru Athletic Club, gaining them four more points on the table.

Wanyore went ahead through a drop goal by Phillip Okeyo, but Oilers responded with three tries from Alvin Khavoli and Beldad Ogeta, two converted by Dennis Abukuse, and even Chrisant Ojwang’s late try for Nakuru did not stop Gibson Weru’s men from recording the win.

“I am excited for the boys they have been putting in a lot of work this season and it is beginning to pay off,” said Weru.

“Again, Nakuru is a very good side when we play them here. We knew we have never won here and we wanted to work hard and win. I commend the boys for their desire to win and to continue growing in each game which I am very proud of.”

Weru feels even with the win, his team still made some mistakes that they must correct in their subsequent games.

“We struggled in the set pieces, the first two scrums we conceded penalties and that took a sting out of our attack and from there, we adjusted and grew into the game,” added the former Kenyan international.

“Very good rugby that we saw today, we can improve on a lot of areas but I am very impressed with the performance.”

With their next fixture at home to Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, Weru is glad that the energy-sapping game took place in their backyard as it will give them ample time to regroup and plan.

“In terms of recovery we have an upper hand because we will not travel,” said Weru. “Playing again at home which is something we are excited about. We will continue building the team and exposing some the players that we have brought in who have not really grown into the squad.”

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