Hail the Cubs, 2008 Eric Shirley Shield winners

KCB's feeder side, the Cubs sealed their 2008 Eric Shirley Shield campaign in style with a four try 26-7 win over hosts Quins II on Saturday at the RFUEA. Despite this being a formality match, the Cubs went into this fixture hungry for a win against a side that had vanquished them twice in the season, 0-8 in the KRFU Chairman's Cup final and 7-11 in the Eric Shirley Shield first leg in June.

Both sides started the match tentatively sizing up each other for close to fifteen minutes. Steve Matioli raised the ball in the 18th minute and Bryan Omondi capitalized on indecisive handling by the Quins backs to score probably the easiest two tries of his fledgling rugby career. Omondi picked up the loose ball and cantered to the tryline. Matioli's conversion saw the Cubs lead 7-0. This try snuffed the life out of Quins as the Cubs rose to the ascendency,totally dominating the set pieces and open play. Matioli raised another high ball in the 32nd minute and for the second time Omondi was gifted with a try. Matioli was successful with the conversion. Scores 14-0 to the Cubs.

Quins were quick off the blocks in the second half, scoring a try in the 42nd minute through Franklin Rop. Kevin Bett was successful with his conversion. Cubs 14 Quins 7.
Quins soon ran out of steam as the Cubs absorbed the pressure. The introduction of experienced fresh legs by the Cubs technical bench was a masterstroke as the new inclusions upped the tempo against a tiring Quins and it was hardly a surprise when Xavier Makuba scored a pushover try in the 72nd minute that was converted by Matioli. Scores 21-7. Winger Dedan Omondi was the beneficiary of another pushover try in the 77th minute. Final Score Cubs 26 Quins 7.

The Cubs have been impressive in winning a first ESS since 2004 and will be out to reclaim the Mwamba Cup that they held between 2004 and 2006.

It is worth noting that they picked a bonus from every team they played against and conceded only five tries this term.


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