Victoria on course to Bamburi Rugby Super series semifinals

By Johnson Were and Douglas Mazune

Victoria defied fatigue after a 70km journey from Kakamega to Mumias to secure a hard fought 17-7 victory over Kenya’s Buffaloes on Saturday to rekindle their hopes of making the Bamburi Rugby Super series semifinals.

Coach Herbert Wafula’s Victoria that was whipped by Rhinos in the opening round, now take on compatriots Rwenzori in Kampala this Saturday with a semifinal slot to fight for.

The hosts inexplicably provided Victoria with accommodation 70km away from the stadium and even the match officials had no liaison officer as is the tradition with any tournament.

Philip Wokorach gave Victoria a 3-0 lead in the 26th minute with a drop goal before an Arthur Ngolobe try in the 39th minute and Wokorach’s conversion to stretch lead to 10-0.

The hosts mounted pressure that yielded a try by flanker Brian Bango and conversion by Bramel Shikanda to end the first half trailing KCB-Victoria 10-7.

In the second half, Buffaloes had territorial advantage but the Victoria backline commanded by Rugby Cranes full back Benon Kiiza, Michael Wokorach, Philip Wokorach proved too solid to break through.

In the 68th minute, the perfect combinative passes between substitutes Preston Tibashoboka and Brian Kikawa set up Paul Sserunjogi to touch down. Wokorach kicked in the conversion to seal victory 17-7.

Wafula however was not happy with the player’s discipline in rucks and scrums.

“We won but we have got a lot to correct before we meet Rwenzori. We conceded many penalties and it’s a tough task to put that right in the little time we have,” Wafula said.

In Kampala, a try by Brian Odong in the dying moments of the tense fixture handed Dimension Data Rwenzori a 17-15 win over title holders, UAP Rhinos at Legends Kampala rugby Club.

Saturday results
Buffaloes      7      KCB Victoria    17
Rwenzori     17     Rhinos             15
Cheetahs      50     Bulls                10
Lions            15     Sharks              8

Saturday, May 19
Rhinos          v       Buffaloes
Rwenzori     v        KCB Victoria
Sharks         v         Bulls
Cheetahs     v         Lions