All hail Menengai Oilers Cheetahs! The 2024 Rugby Super Series champions
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| May 25, 2024
Menengai Oilers Cheetahs are the 2024 Rugby Super Series champions.
Cheetahs were crowned champions on Saturday after stunning KCB Bank Lions 18-10 in an entertaining final played at RFUEA grounds.
Felix Odhiambo and Ibrahim Ayoo scored Cheetah's two tries as Givens Oduor went over for Lions.
Quinto Ongo gave Cheetahs a perfect start after splitting the posts with a well taken penalty for a 3-0 lead before Levy Amunga responded for the Lions for a 3-3 tie.
Ongo returned again to restore the three-point lead for the Nakuru based side who led in a final that was turning out to be a kicking game as Cheetahs led 6-3 at half time.
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In the final half, Lions came out of the dug outs much stronger and aggressive as Givens Oduor scored the finals first try to give the Nairobi outfit a 10-6 lead after conversion.
Sensing danger, Cheetahs who are coached by former Kisumu RFC coach Lawrence Buyachi changed tactics and they were rewarded when Felix Odhiambo went over the white wash to retake the lead 11-10.
Ibrahim Ayoo would then seal the title for Cheetahs with a late try that Dennis Abukuse converted for a 18-10 win.
Speaking after the win, Buyachi congratulated his side for not giving up and playing smart throughout the tournament.
"Congratulations to the boys. We gave our all from day one and this is a result of hard work," said Buyachi.
On the other hand, Kabras Sugar Buffaloes clinched the bronze medal after the third place playoffs fixture failed to take place.
Faiba Mobile Rhinos refused to play over alleged unpaid allowances within the competition.