The Menengai Cream Cheetahs made history by claiming their third Rugby Super Series title with a hard-fought 18-10 victory over the KCB Bank Lions in a thrilling final at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds on Saturday, May 25th, 2024.
The match was a display of top-class rugby talent and sheer determination from both teams.
The Cheetahs got off to a rocky start as their hooker, Emmanuel Mboya, was sin-binned early in the first half, leaving them with only 14 men on the field. However, they showed incredible resilience and teamwork, with Kevin Kiget stepping in to cover the front row deficit. Despite the setback, the Cheetahs managed to maintain a narrow 6-3 lead at halftime, thanks to two penalties from Quinto Ongo.
The Lions came out strong in the second half, with Givens Oduor scoring the game’s opening try to give them a 10-6 lead after Levi Amunga’s successful conversion. But the Cheetahs quickly responded, with Dennis Abukuse and Felix Odhiambo combining forces to score a crucial try and reclaim the lead at 11-10.
The match continued to intensify as both teams fought tooth and nail for every inch on the field. The Cheetahs’ forward pack, led by the masterful Samson Onsomu, dominated the Lions with their physicality and strategic play. Beldad Ogeta proved to be a force to be reckoned with, causing havoc for the Lions’ defense.
In the closing minutes of the game, the Cheetahs sealed their victory with another try, extending their lead to 18-10. The Lions fought hard until the final whistle, but the Cheetahs’ determination and skill proved to be too much to overcome.
In the thrilling final quarter of the match between Lawi Buyachi’s Cheetahs and Oliver Mang’eni’s Lions, it was evident that the Cheetahs were the stronger team.
The Lions seemed to struggle with indecision and indiscipline, which was further highlighted by Griffin Musila receiving a yellow card that ultimately cost them their advantage on the field.
Despite the Lions’ efforts, Ibrahim Ayoo managed to score a crucial second try for the Cheetahs, with Abukuse successfully converting the kick. This victory added to the Cheetahs’ impressive titles in 2004 and 2006.
Ongo was the top point scorer of the match with 22 points, while Griffin Chao of Kabras Sugar Buffaloes, Victor Odhiambo of Faiba Mobile Rhinos, and Givens Oduor of KCB Bank Lions all tied as the top try scorers with two tries each.
In the end, Kabras Sugar Buffaloes secured a respectable third-place finish, while Faiba Mobile Rhinos unfortunately found themselves at the bottom of the rankings.
The match was a display of skill, determination, and hard-fought victories for the Cheetahs, solidifying their place as a formidable team in the league.
Previous Winners
The Rugby Super Series has seen a number of teams emerge victorious over the years. The Rhinos dominated in the early 2000s, winning in 2003, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011, showcasing their strength and consistency on the field.
The Cheetahs also had a successful run, securing titles in 2004 and 2006, before reclaiming the championship in 2024 after a long hiatus where the tournament was not played from 2015 to 2023.
Other teams such as the Buffaloes, Lions, Ndovu, and Kifaru have also tasted success in this prestigious competition, showcasing the talent and competitive nature of rugby in the Super Series.
Each year, fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling matches and fierce competition as teams battle it out for the coveted title of Rugby Super Series champions.
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