Buffaloes trample Sharks

by Mike Kwambo

It was semi final Saturday on match day 4 of the 2009 Bamburi Rugby Super Series where Buffaloes and Rhinos won their matches to ensure an all Kenyan final on Saturday 18th April 2009.

Buffaloes v/s Sharks
Venue: RFUEA Nairobi
Attendance: +2000
Weather: Clear

Two late tries from Vincent Mose and John “Che” Ekong’o saw the Buffaloes deny the Nguvu Sharks a maiden appearance in the BRSS final.

Flyhalf Simon Wariuki opened the Buffaloes account with a 5th minute drop goal, giving them an early 3-0 lead. They dominated the opening exchanges and were rewarded with a 15th minute try from Lawrence Mutai
that extended the scores to 8-0.

The Sharks were stung by this, coming back into the game. Maurice Mbai’s 22nd minute trying reducing the deficit to 8-5. A massive IanChewini penalty from 35 meters out tied the scores at 8-8.

The Sharks were back in the game, effectively dealing with Buffaloes attacks while putting their foot on the gas pedal. They however failed to turn their dominance into points and were punished by a second Wariuki drop goal heading into the interval.

Half Time Scores
Buffaloes 11 Sharks 8

Mitch Ocholla’s half time pep talk seemed to have inspired confidence in the Sharks who came out guns blazing and were rewarded with a second Chewini penalty that brought them level for the second time in
the match. 11-11 at this point.

Both sides prodded each others defences and it the Buffaloes fullback Vincent Mose who touched down after some great interplay with Davis Yanga. 16-11 to the Buffaloes.

With only five points separating the two sides, the match was now poised for an exciting finish.There were near misses from both sides before the Buffaloes won a scrum down on the Sharks five yard. the indefatigable John “Che” Ekong’o touched down at the dearth.

Final Score
Buffaloes 21 Sharks 11

The second semi final saw former champions Rhinos fight off a spirited challenge from Uganda’s Rwenzori, emerging 30-20 winners in a duel that they led 17-5 at the interval.

Earlier, the Cheetahs beat outgoing champions Lions 27-15 in the fifth place playoff tie.

The Sharks will now battle with Rwenzori for the third place as Buffaloes and Sharks duel for the 2009 BRSS crown next weekend at the RFUEA.