Mean Machine registered their first win of the season with a gritty 16-10 result over Blak Blad at the University of Nairobi on Saturday 18 February 2017. The 1977,1989 and 1990 Kenya Cup champions had come into this tie having lost their eleven previous outings.
Blad went ahead through Stormy Odhiambo’s converted try after 20 minutes of play before Renee Inyanga drilled home a penalty to reduce the deficit two minutes later. Machine were dealt a blow after former Mwamba winger Alfred Orege was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle but John Mbai’s charges held firm, Inyanga adding a second penalty as his side trailed 7-6 at half time.
Inyanga’s third penalty took Machine 9-7 up, a lead that they held for sixteen minutes. They would also lose Victor Shavia to the sin bin during this time before going behind when Levy Amunga put over a penalty, Blad going ahead 10-9.
Machine were back to their full quota of players, Daniel Oluoch going over with Inyanga converting for a 16-10 lead, a lead they held to the end despite Blad’s efforts to claim victory.