Menengai Oilers delivered a blistering display of rugby excellence over the weekend, clinching the prestigious Great Rift Nakuru 10s title after a commanding 15-0 win over Kabras Sugar RFC in a high-octane final at the Nakuru Athletic Club.
From the onset of the tournament, the Oilers made their intentions clear. In their opening fixture, they overwhelmed Egerton Wasps with a staggering 72-5 victory, setting the tone for a dominant campaign. Their fluid ball movement, aggressive defense, and clinical finishing made them a nightmare for every opponent they faced.
Momentum carried seamlessly into the next group match against Kabarak University, where the Oilers ran riot again with a 50-0 shutout. They closed out the pool stage with another emphatic win 26-0 against Strathmore Leos topping their group without conceding a single point after the opening game.
On day two, the Oilers showed no signs of slowing down. In the quarter-finals, they dispatched USIU Martials 40-5, continuing their ruthless march towards the final. The semifinal clash pitted them against hometown side Nakuru RFC in a tense and physical affair. With the home crowd firmly behind Nakuru, the match was fiercely contested, but the Oilers’ composure and tactical discipline earned them a hard-fought 17-7 win.
The final was a much-anticipated clash between two of Kenya’s premier rugby sides. Kabras Sugar came in as perennial powerhouses, but the Oilers had the edge in form and momentum. In a match defined by intensity and precision, it was the Oilers who struck first. Beldad Ogeta dotted down a brilliant try following a flowing move that sliced through Kabras’ defense. The Oilers kept up the pressure, and it paid off again when Steve Arunga powered over for the second try after a sustained offensive push.
Eric Ogutu, whose consistent kicking had been a feature throughout the tournament, slotted home a penalty and later added a conversion to extend the lead to 15-0. His performance in the final marked by calm decision-making, accurate distribution, and reliable kicking earned him the Tournament MVP accolade. Ogutu’s influence stretched across the entire competition, and he played a crucial leadership role for the Oilers.
Beyond the silverware, the victory was a statement. The Oilers, often considered the underdogs in Kenya’s rugby elite, have grown into a force to be reckoned with. With a squad that blends youthful energy and veteran savvy, their march to the title was as much about team cohesion as individual brilliance.
The tournament served as both a showcase of their potential and a dress rehearsal for an even bigger clash. Their triumph in Nakuru now sets up a tantalizing rematch against Kabras Sugar in the Enterprise Cup final, to be played at the refinery. With both teams expected to regroup and refine their tactics, fans can expect another riveting encounter as the Oilers aim to complete a rare double.
As the dust settles on their Great Rift 10s conquest, one thing is clear the Menengai Oilers are no longer knocking on the door of greatness; they’ve kicked it wide open.
