Nakuru RFC (Wanyore) have bounced back with their first win of the season after beating Kisumu in a highly competitive match held at the Nakuru Athletics Club.

The home team welcomed Kisumu for their match day eight fixture, putting on a spectacle of rugby for the home fans. They registered a 32-22 win on the board.

Given that Wanyore had not won any of their matches, the crowd was hyped, with loud cheers from the stands in support of the players on the pitch. Clearly, Nakuru meant business, and they did not disappoint their home fans.

Nakuru and Kisumu players after their Kenya cup match day 8 held at the Nakuru Athletics Club on February 15 ,2025.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

By halftime, Nakuru had exerted its dominance over the Dala side, bringing the halftime score to 22-10 in their favour.

In the second half, Kisumu tried to narrow the gap. However, Nakuru was keen on using single tackles to counter any points put in by Kisumu.

Speaking after the game on behalf of the coach, Nakuru RFC technical bench support, Donald Aluoch, says their aim for the day’s game was to get a win, put some points on the board for a better position in the standings, and keep their survival hopes alive.

Nakuru RFC technical bench support, Donald Aluoch, during an interview after their Kenya Cup match day 8 against Kisumu RFC , held at the Nakuru Athletics Club on February 15 ,2025.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“For today, we had senior players who came out and supported our young players, case in point, Oscar Ouma, an old boy who brought a lot of experience to the game on the backline. Other than that, everyone on and off the pitch did an outstanding job to ensure we got the win,” he says.

He adds that the team had good ball carries, solid platforms, and great forward play, which in turn saw them clinch crucial points.

Aluoch attributes the great performance to the team being composed, taking their chances and staying engaged in the game every minute.

He also emphasizes the importance of giving instructions from the side lines and players executing set pieces effectively.

“I commend the players for a game well played, especially Wilson Makete, who is the Man of the Match from the game. This is done and dusted, and now we shift our focus to the next match against Strathmore Leos. It’s a tough one ahead, but we will take it one game at a time,” he notes.

He notes that their focus is on survival and remaining in the league next season to provide a platform that gives players an opportunity to play at this level.

On the other hand, Kisumu RFC head coach, Howard Okwemba, notes that the match against Nakuru was tough on their end and not what they had expected. He said they came in for a win but, unfortunately, lost the game.

Kisumu RFC head coach, Howard Okwemba, during an interview after their Kenya Cup match day 8 against Nakuru RFC , held at the Nakuru Athletics Club on February 15 ,2025

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“Kisumu played well in the first half. We soaked in some pressure, but towards the end of the game, we did not manage our game as expected. Nakuru were very clinical, every time they came to our half, they got points out of it. This happened five times, and out of that, they made four tries,” he explains.

He says that with this match, they go home having identified key areas for improvement. Additionally, he remarks that the team struggled with one-on-one tackles, which was their main undoing and to some extent cost team some points.

Okwemba, however, congratulates young star Ian Mugunda for playing well after coming off the bench.

He notes that back in Kisumu, they will welcome Blak Blad RFC and hope for a win then.

Wanyore's first win of the season gives them fighting chance

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Purity Kinuthia