From Zero to Hero: KCA’s Epic Rugby Comeback Against PUEA

What started as a solid lead for the Presbyterian University team quickly turned into a nail-biting clash of determination and strategy. In an unforgettable rugby encounter at Alliance Boys’ Ground, KCA University’s resilient comeback outshone PUEA’s early dominance.

On Saturday afternoon, rugby fans gathered at Alliance Boys’ Ground to witness an exciting match between two highly competitive university teams – Presbyterian University of East Africa (PUEA) The Assassins and KCA University Strikes. Though the game was slated to begin at 2 PM, it had to be delayed until 3:30 PM due to the required ambulance presence, leaving the crowd with heightened anticipation.

From the very first whistle, PUEA came out strong, looking prepared and confident. Their opening moments were sharp, as they managed to score a penalty within the first few minutes, giving them a quick 3-point lead. Their early dominance continued, and by halftime, they had added another 3-point penalty, taking the score to 6-0 in their favor.

But rugby, as anyone knows, is a game of unpredictability. Despite PUEA’s promising start, KCA University wasn’t about to go down without a fight. After the break, the Strikes came out with fire in their bellies. The game completely shifted as KCA displayed a ruthless attack, scoring 4 tries to take the lead with 20 points.

The PUEA team, who had been so well-coordinated in the first half, seemed to tremble after making several substitutions. Fans were left wondering what had happened to their once-dominant side. Despite moments of hope, PUEA couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities and failed to put any more points on the board.

KCA, on the other hand, played with an aggressive and tactical edge, and it paid off. Their defensive strategies were as strong as their offense, and they capitalized on PUEA’s weakening resolve. By the final whistle, KCA emerged as the victors, securing a well-earned win with a 20-6 scoreline.

After the game, players and coaches from both teams shared their thoughts on the match, highlighting key moments, strategies, and lessons learned.
Walter Omwanga, assistant coach, KCA Sparks, reflected on the team's performance in the second half, crediting their resilience and strong mental focus. "In the second half, we stuck to what was working for us, particularly our lineouts, and we made sure to maintain possession of the ball," Omwanga said. "Our mentality played a major role in our victory. We knew we had to persevere, and we did, expressing his desire to confront the Assassins again on a sunny day.

KCA Sparks' captain, Ted Gitonga, expressed satisfaction with his team's performance but acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents. "The game was fair, and Puea were a tough team to beat. But we put in more effort and, in the end, it paid off," Gitonga commented. He gave credit to their coach and the players' discipline. "Our coach has trained us well, and the boys showed resilience," he added.

Gitonga also pointed out some areas of weakness in Puea's game: "Their scrums and line-outs weren't up to standard, and they struggled with the breakdowns. They also weren't quick to spread the ball when they saw gaps." Despite these issues, Gitonga expressed a desire to face puea assassin's again though he mentioned that Puea would have to wait until next season for a rematch.

Stephen Darunga, also known as "Shrek," the head coach of PUEA Assassins and an active player for Nondescript Rugby. He spoke candidly about his team's performance, acknowledging that many of his players were graduating soon and that he was left with a younger squad, some of whom were new to the game. "It was a tough game for us," Darunga admitted. "But it's a learning process. The defeat is a bridge to greater things, and we'll work hard to fix our mistakes."

Darunga addressed questions regarding his team's disappointing second-half performance: "In rugby, it's never over until it's 80 minutes. I believe in learning from every game. I had a group of 23 players, and I wanted them all to play. It's not about the loss—it's about learning. I'll give individual feedback to each player, and we'll sit down together for an assessment so we can improve for our next match in January."

He also pinpointed poor communication in defense as a major weakness. Commenting on the opposition, Darunga noted that KCA Sparks were well-prepared and settled, which was a contrast to his team's preparation. "I look forward to facing them again in future games, especially during the sevens season," he concluded.

Joshua Joseph, known as "Roxam," captains Puea Assassins. He recognized KCA Sparks as a formidable opponent, noting that it was the first time they had faced off against each other. "It was a tough match," Roxam said. "We were playing them for the first time, and they had the better team on the day."
Reflecting on where Puea went wrong, Roxam pointed to the substitutions made during the game: "I think the changes to bring in new players were a turning point for us. It was a key moment where we lost our momentum."

He also praised KCA Sparks for their communication and discipline, stating that these were the keys to their victory. "I learned a lot from them," Roxam said. "Their discipline on the field was impressive, and their communication was spot-on." Despite the loss, he remains eager for a rematch, adding, "It was a simple game. I'd like another chance to get the real score."

While PUEA Assassins faced a tough loss, their early performance showed they have the potential to be strong contenders. On the other hand, KCA Sparks earned their win with a determined and all-around performance, leaving nothing to chance in their quest for victory.

Mila pulse sport

~Feisal ~