Project 61 Edge Kabarak as Nationwide League Delivers Match Day 8 Thriller
Project 61 Image Courtesy Mozzart sports.
By Mhalon Lichuma
Match Day Eight of the Nationwide League lived up to expectations, serving fans a weekend packed with tension, grit and fine margins, headlined by Project 61’s dramatic 9–6 victory over Kabarak University.
Both sides came into the encounter keen to keep their playoff ambitions alive, and the contest unfolded as a tactical, defence-driven battle defined by territory and pressure-induced penalties rather than expansive attacking play.
Kabarak University drew first blood with an early penalty to take a 3–0 lead, capitalising on early momentum and disciplined breakdown work. Project 61 responded in kind to level matters before Kabarak again edged ahead 6–3 from the tee. The hosts, however, gradually asserted control of possession and territory, drawing level at 6–6 and setting up a nervy final quarter.
With the clock winding down and clear scoring opportunities scarce, the match appeared destined for a draw. But a late infringement deep in Kabarak territory proved decisive, as Project 61 held their nerve to slot the winning penalty and seal a narrow but significant home victory.
Elsewhere in the Rift Valley, Egerton Wasps produced one of the standout performances of the round, comfortably dispatching Eldoret RFC 29–7 to strengthen their position on the table.
Strong Statements Across the Leagues
In the Kenya Cup, Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers and KCB Rugby all delivered emphatic victories, underlining their title credentials, while MMUST, Impala RFC and Daystar Falcons also emerged victorious in closely contested encounters.
The ESS Eastern Conference was dominated by KCB Rugby II and Nondescripts II, both recording commanding wins, while Strathmore Leos II edged past KU BlakBlad II in a tightly fought contest. In the ESS Western Conference, Menengai Oilers II ran riot, posting the biggest scoreline of the weekend, as Kabras Sugar RFC II also claimed a convincing win.
The Championship saw wins for NYS Spades, Kisii RFC, Mwamba RFC, JKUAT Cougars and Catholic Monks, while Western Bulls and Mombasa RFC shared the spoils in the only draw of the category.
In the Nationwide League, dominant performances were recorded across regions. In Nairobi Universities, victories went to KCA University, Mean Machine II, MKU Nairobi, AP Warriors, Africa Nazarene University and Machakos University. The Nairobi Community category was highlighted by runaway wins for Makueni Rugby, Masaku Rugby, Rongai Morans, Stallions and Ngong RFC.
The Central region saw Kenya Prisons, MKU Thika, Murang’a Trojans, Chuka University and Dedan Kimathi emerge victorious, while several fixtures were abandoned. In the Rift Valley, wins were claimed by Molo RFC, Nandi Bears, Egerton Wasps and Kabarak University in the EldoPoly Community fixture.
Western Kenya action was dominated by Sigalagala National Polytechnic and Kibabii University, while multiple matches were abandoned. In Nyanza, Maseno University, Rongo RFC, Kisii National Polytechnic, Kisii Kifaru and Winam Rugby all posted wins, several by large margins. At the Coast, Kilifi Titans, Wundanyi Rugby and Malindi Turtles picked up victories, with other fixtures abandoned.
As the Nationwide League edges closer to the business end of the season, Match Day Eight reinforced the fine margins separating contenders from pretenders—setting the stage for an even more intense run-in.
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