The Enterprise Cup Review

The Lions started off their quest for the KRFU Enterprise Cup with a quarter final clash away to Impala RFC.This was a grudge match of sorts as Impala had vanquished the Lions 29-7 in the quarter finals of the same event in 2006 in a match that saw Newton Ong'alo stretchered off with a horrific neck injury.

The Lions came into this encounter having the upper hand over Impala,having beaten them 39-6 and 16-9 in the Kenya Cup league encounters and 23-7 during the Impala floodlit semis.What was expected to be a close encounter turned into a one sided match that the Lions dominated from start to finish,running off 30-10 winners over the Gazelles.

Up next for the newly crowned three time Kenya Cup champs was a tough semi final fixture away to Nakuru Rugby,Wrestling and Boxing Club,commonly known as Nakuru RFC at the Nakuru Athletic and Boxing Club.Again,this was another grudge match as the Lions lost on Kenya Cup match day one to the stubborn Nakuru boys,going down 7-6,a result that caused shock waves throughout the rugby fraternity.The return match in the Kenya Cup is remembered more for the mass brawls,Kilonzo's refereeing,Pau's red card and that fierce jab from former "Africa boxing champion",Anthony "de la Hoya " Ogot that left a Nakuru player sprawling on the ground.When the teams managed to play some rugby on that day,KCB scored two converted tries that won them that encounter 14-0.

Coming back to the Enterprise Cup semis,details from this match are limited to the fact that when rugby was played on this day, the Lions emerged victorious,claiming a 15-3 win.Nakuru RFC however won the tackling,punching and hitting contests hands down,but,tackles and big hits don't count for points and that is how the Lions made it to the Enterprise Cup final.The last time the Lions made it to the Enterprise Cup final,they went on to win it.Could they do it again?

Saturday September 1 was the big day.The Lions due to face Mean Machine in the final.The Lions had dominated Machine in the Kenya Cup,winning the home and away fixtures.Infact,they beat the students 17-10 in the Kenya Cup decider and it was a bit strange that Machine would again hold the key to KCB winning yet another major trophy.

The final started on a high note with the Lions scoring early points but Machine were up for it and gave KCB a run for their money.Eventually,the Lions would prevail 28-16 after leading 20-13 to claim their second Enterprise Cup title.This win also enabled them do the league and cup double and in the process complete a rare season treble,having also claimed the season opening Impala Floodlit tourney in February.


Now,their eyes are trained on the KRFU Sevens Circuit overall title.