The MMUST team, famously known as ‘Makaka’ scored three tries with successful conversions in the 24 - 15 win, which gave them four points in the bag while Nondies missed a losing bonus point. Isaiah Mulongo, Gibson Perez, and Paul Odongo scored tries which saw the determined MMUST team shock Nondies in what was their first meeting in Kenya Cup.
MMUST players celebrate after winning against Nondescript RFC in a Kenya Cup match played at MMUST grounds
This was the first Kenya Cup encounter between these two sides with last season’s match failing to kick off and MMUST getting a 24 - 0 walkover. Minutes into the game, MMUST were penalized for an infringement during a scrum and Fidens Tony slipped the ball in between the posts for a 3-0 lead.
After close to 22 minutes of play, the fly-half returned to the scoresheet scoring a try that put his side eight points up. He rose to take the conversion but his kick went off the target.
The hosts attempted to cut the gap via a penalty but Isaiah Mulongo failed to hit the target. Their first points on board were five as hooker Gibson Perez crossed over following several pick-ups and drives for a try that Nobert Lumbwani converted to cut the gap to a point. The score-line remained unchanged till the halftime break.
On return from the break, Lumbwani crossed over but the try did not stand as it was counted as a knock on. MMUST would then lose Collins Ngoko following a knee injury.
Nondies made the extra-man advantage count and scored a try through Kenya Under 20 back Kennedy Wanyoike who was making his debut for the Rangers. Tony’s conversion saw the side lead 15-7.
Speaking after the match, the MMUST assistant coach, Mr. John Asila exuded confidence that MMUST Rugby team will be the team to beat this season. He said that they are working on fitness to ensure that the boys remain fit for the entire season. “We started the match poorly but I am very happy with the way we did not give up. The response from the boys in the second half was excellent and I believe we still have much more to offer in the coming games,” said Asila.
