Monday, October 6, 2008

Cubs lose Grand Slam tie

The Cubs lost 17-23 to Quins II in the PostaPay Grand Slam on
Saturday, missing out on the Ksh 100,000 payout. Steve Matioli kicked
the Cubs into the lead early in the game from a penalty. They would
then concede two tries and a penatly that left them trailing 3-15 at
half time.

Second half subs Xavier Makuba and Walter Omole were behind a second
half revival that saw the Cubs come within whiskers of the fat cheque
when they rallied to lead 17-15 within minutes left on the ticker.

The Cubs dominated the second half with structured play, forcing Quins
onto the back foot. Matioli's second penalty reduced the deficit to
6-15 before winger Curtis Katembo scored at the corner flag to bring
the score to 11-15. More pressure from the Cubs forced Quins into yet
another error. Matioli kicking over for 14-15.

The Cubs were in the ascendancy when Matioli drilled over another
penalty from a tight angle that saw the Cubs regain the lead at
17-15.The controversial substitution of scrum half Billy Odhiambo at
this stage saw them lose their momentum and composure.

A moment of madness saw them concede a late penalty that swung the
lead back to Quins 17-18 with three minutes to play. Flanker Ian
Indimuli's attempted touch kick was charged down by the Quins players
who scored the killer try right at the end.

This defeat was a lesson in mental toughness and tactical awareness,
something to build on for 2009.

The 15's season has now taken a bow, paving way for the 7's circuit
which kicks off with the Prinsloo Nakuru Sevens on the weekend of
10/11 October 2008.

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