Menengai Oilers were in sizzling form over the weekend, storming to victory at the annual Great Rift Nakuru 10s Tournament with a commanding 15-0 win over fierce rivals Kabras Sugar RFC in a thrilling final held at Nakuru Athletic Club on Sunday.
From the opening whistle, the Oilers looked unstoppable. They launched their campaign with a 72-5 demolition of Egerton Wasps, showcasing slick ball movement and ruthless finishing.
The momentum carried into their next clash, where they overpowered Kabarak University 50-0, before closing out the day with a clinical 26-0 shutout of Strathmore Leos—topping their pool unbeaten and unbothered.
Day two was no different. In the quarter-finals, the Oilers overwhelmed USIU Martials with a dominant 40-5 victory, before facing a spirited Nakuru RFC in the semis.
Roared on by the home crowd, Nakuru posed a challenge, but Oilers held firm to book a place in the final with a 17-7 win.
The highly anticipated final brought together two of Kenya’s rugby heavyweights, and it was the Oilers who rose to the occasion. Their rock-solid defense and sharp execution proved too much for Kabras Sugar.
Beldad Ogeta opened the scoring with a well-worked try, followed by another from Steve Arunga after sustained pressure. Eric Ogutu capped the performance with a penalty and a conversion to seal the 15-0 shutout.
Ogutu’s composure, pinpoint kicking, and all-round impact earned him the Tournament MVP title—a well-deserved recognition of his leadership and consistency throughout the weekend.
The win not only handed Menengai Oilers the Great Rift 10s crown, but also reaffirmed their rising status on the national rugby stage. With a dynamic blend of youth and experience, the Oilers look poised for even greater heights.
Next up, they host Kabras Sugar once again—this time in the Enterprise Cup Final at the refinery, setting the stage for another fierce showdown.
By Brian Mwenje