Eldoret RFC are the champions of the completed Rugby 7S Tournament held in Moi University Main Campus last Saturday. The tournament consisted of six teams, three from Main Campus where the Arsonists were subdivided into Main Campus, Freshmen A and Freshmen B. The visiting teams included, KPA West Campus, Wakulima Rugby team, Eldoret Falcons and Eldoret RFC.
The champions excelled in all their clashes, beating Freshmen A 29-0, the Falcons 35-0, Freshmen B 22-0 and Main Campus 17-12 in the final clash. They however did not face KPA, as the latter withdrew few minutes to the match for reasons of fatigue or fear of defeat. An understrength KPA and Wakulima, lacked a fighting spirit and proper communication, conceding heavily against Main Campus teams in the host’s boggy field.
If the blind passes, lack of time between matches and dangerous underfoot conditions weren’t enough, the freshmen teams would have made it to the finals. We will however, be expecting a better display from them in future fixtures, given that they’re only two weeks old in campus.
Although the Main Campus Arsonists may argue that they had most of the ball in the first half of the final, the effort and commitment shown by every man in a blue and yellow jersey must be applauded. It however, goes without saying that Derrick Kinyari, captaining the Arsonists was the star man making several tries despite getting a yellow in the second half of the final clash.
The Arsonists back men defended very well with conspicuous efforts from Nicholas Mwenda “Junior” who succumbed to injury and had to be dashed to the hospital in a stand by ambulance. The second half witnessed another serious injury in the Eldoret RFC team, with “Beast” being carried out of the pitch. The evening breeze was really howling the players at Fr.Kizito grounds, and everytime the Arsonists had their game running, the RFC had no answer for them.
The amount of work and passion displayed in that battle was unbelievable with the match ending in a 12-12 tie. This led to a post match tie breaker “Sudden Death”, where Eldoret RFC gave their all and achieved the important try to make the score 17-12.
The Arsonists will now get back to the drawing board as they focus on the KUSA university games later this month, now that they’re the reigning KUSA Rift Valley champions. They deserve an applause for a great fight and great efforts from Kelvin Masibo, Callisto Otieno and many more. The hosts had the better exchanges in the entire match though that did not translate to the final scoreboard.
