KCB II crowned ESS champions after Kabras withdrawal

KCB RFC II are the 2024 Eric Shirley Shield Cup winners after their counterparts Kabras Sugar II bolted out of the final that was slated for Saturday at the KCB Sports Club, Nairobi.

For the second year running the ESS final will be skipped with teams showing little regard to the league that is largely played by development squads in the top tier teams.

In a statement, KCB RFC expressed their joy of securing the title after Kabras Sugar II gave a walkover that would have seen their development side make the long trip from Kakamega to the capital.

“….and STILL, your National ESS Champions Unbeaten, the KCB Cubs, High Octane, the MAU MAU, Fear the Gold. We are so proud of you and may the rebellion continue.”

It’s the second year in a row that Kabras have given a walkover in the ESS final after failing to show up for the final against KCB again last year.

KCB had earned the right to host the final after finishing top of the ESS standings while their senior side travelled to Kakamega for the Kenya Cup final against their nemesis Kabras Sugar.

There are fears that even the Kenya Cup third place play off set to be played by Menengai Oilers and Nondescripts at the Nakuru Athletic club may not happen over the weekend as teams turn their focus to preparing for the upcoming enterprise cup.

Top teams have shown little regard to the ESS league and Kenya Rugby Union will have to brainstorm for ways to spice up the competition.