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Harlequin became the first side to score more than one try against a very strong Kabras Sugar this season and led at the break, but did not have enough to maintain it.
Kenya Harlequin head coach Paul Murunga believes his team are making significant strides to become a better side despite their 50-22 loss to Kabras Sugar in an epic Kenya Cup clash at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday.
Harlequin led 22-19 heading into the break with a superb display, but collapsed in disappointing fashion after the break, with Kabras making a series of tries to get the win at the end.
Speaking to Pulse Sports after the match, Murunga blamed the collapse on a lack of adequate depth in comparison to Kabras Sugar, who handed them their second loss of the season.
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20:09 - 10.02.2024
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Aside from Kabras brushing aside Harlequin, here is a recap of Match Day Eight of the 2023/2024 Kenya Cup season.
“A very good first half. First half, we were leading (22-19), but in the second half, we made so many mistakes that allowed Kabras back into the game,” Murunga said.
“But I am pleased with the progress we are making. First half was very good. These are the kind of games we are supposed to be playing.
“If we can have a stronger bench and play better in the second half to kill the game and earn points, then it will be good.”
Harlequin became only the second side to score a try against Kabras - and the first team this season to score more than three tries - but had to settle for no points after the match. Murunga, however, sees lots of positives.
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17:03 - 10.02.2024
RUGBY Kabras Sugar's rampant second half blows away Kenya Harlequin
Harlequin took a narrow 22-19 lead into the break but were taken apart by Kabras in the second half, forcing them to endure their second loss of the season.
“We scored three tries early in the game which is a very positive thing for us. As we go into the playoffs, as we finish the league, I am very hopeful that we are able to meet them again, play better and win the game," he added.
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Murunga believes Kabras Sugar’s more seasoned pros were also too much for his team which has some rookies.
“I think they had a better bench, they had more experienced players. They are the defending champions so they know how to manage the game better," said the former Kenya Sevens coach.
“Some of our players, this is the first season they are playing in the Kenya Cup so, we still have a journey to go, work to do but we are in the right step.”
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14:37 - 31.01.2024
FOOTBALL Kabras Sugar boss Carlos Katywa explains driving force behind side’s dominance
Katywa has revealed the factor that has made Kabras Sugar continue producing dominating displays so far this Kenya Cup season.
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