Kenya Cup Game Week 5 review.

“Ukiona game ya rugby inaisha draw..ujue ilikua fight ya ukweli!” To my beloved readers in the diaspora (Runda and all) that statement loosely translates to ‘when a rugby match ends in a draw, it was truly a tough match!’ 

I should put up the scores first, here they are :

Homeboyz 22 – 21 Kisumu.

Impala 22 – 20 Mwamba.

KCB 25 – 25 Nakuru.

Quins 10 – 10 Nondies.

Machine 8 – 5 Strathmore. 

Now I can safely say…What a weekend of rugby that was! This one did not dissapoint one bit, as a matter of fact it over delivered. Every team got atleast a point to show for their exploits this game week. Let’s start with Homeboyz, as I predicted it was a tough test for the DJ outfit, one that they had to fight hard to pass. The kondele boys are a tough nut in their backyard, especially for a new team, what with their wives, girlfriends and future prospects all cheering them on, they usually put up a hell of a fight (except maybe when it’s Mwamba). The DJs held their own and earned a victory they can be proud of.

Moving on to the Impala grounds where one Victor Mose put in an impressive total of 14 points (3 penalties and a try) to lead Impala to a narrow win over Kulabu, in what was a tempered match. The black shirts however, will rue their kicking as had a penalty from Lavin coupled with Wambua’s conversion to Ombachi’s last gasp try gone otherwise, they would have won them the game.

To the RFUEA, where 80 minutes could not separate the old foes, Quins and Nondies. Leslie robing the victory from the quins and their faithful at the dying minutes of the game. Nondies reportedly wasted a host of chances but will be happy with a draw to kick start 2012, an impressive debut for Ronnie ‘Nanda’ Mwenesi, coupled with a great defensive showing from that man Moseti ensuring that the spoils were shared on the day. 

To the Lions Den, where a stubborn Nakuru side managed to force a draw with the new league leaders KCB, in what was described to me as a nail ripping fight on the pitch. The Wanyore quick to stamp their authority, with a try and a drop goal within the first 15 minutes. This being KCB at the den, they were equally as swift in their reply, a series of tries and a penalty saw them overwhelm the visitors 20-8. At this point the lions were comfortably in the driver’s seat cruising to another victory or so they thought. The Wanyorefirst brought the scores to 20-13, before KCB scored to take it to 25-13, still the wanyore did not lie down, they put in a real push towards the end of the match earning them the draw. KCB still unbeaten..

Finally to my feature match, the University derby at the UoN grounds. Strath came into this match as slight favourites, although as you might have heard before, there are no favourites in a derby. The students from the only university in the world with a title came out in a sizeable number to cheer the eschuma absolute, the disciplined ones, Strathmore also had a crowd out. 

The XXVII crew now under Paul Odera’s instructions, looked to cement their recent dominance over their rivals. Be that as it may, it was machine who showed intent early on taking the game to their visitors and getting a try whose conversion by Mutuku unluckily hit the post. Eschuma continued with their forays, camping in strath territory for long periods, but a quick break from strath ended in an unconverted try from Kepher drawing the match level. The strath try did not change the flow of the match as machine were still the better of the two sides, piling the pressure deep into strath’s 40 yard line. Their pressure paid off as they forced a penalty after a sweet run through the Strath defence by Musili, Mutuku slotting it in, eschuma regaining the lead, 8-5. Strath would find their footing and turn the tide as the half drew to a close, a missed penalty from Andola and two fambles at the try line first by Maurice Mbai then Eric Kioko denying them the chance to take the lead into the break.

The second half started with Strath picking up from where they left, putting together a couple of runs which Machine did well to defend. In an effort to add a sting to their bite, Odera threw in Mike Wanjala for Kepher at wing and Githaiga at scrum half. The match remained a tight affair as the half drew on with Machine happy to hold on to the lead, playing a smart territorial game that frustrated Strath and eventually blew the wind out of their sails. Machine defended solidly in packs were patient and maintained their discipline at the set pieces, this saw them eventually take the game 8-5. In the end it was a tight game that could have gone either way, but Machine held their nerves and were deserving winners on the day. 

 My man of the Match goes to Machine’s half back Musili a.k.a Toi, started the game at 10, finished it at 9, his pressure kicks at both positions were one of the reasons machine won the game. He had an outstanding game pulling the strings and creating gaps for his team mates to exploit, he was a constant thorn in Strath’s defence. What this young man misses in size he more than covers it with his brain and heart, same can be said for their no. 15 Mubea. Also worth a mention are both number 8’s Brian Okwomi for Strath and Cedo for Machine. 

Overall this game week stands as proof that this season’s league is the most competitive we have had in a while if there has ever been one like this. The teams that did not win will take encouragement looking at the log, as all is not lost, their fates still lie with them. This means that more exciting rugby lies ahead this season, let’s brace ourselves.

Nikiendaga, remember to vote for your player of the year 2011, isikue ooohh Poghie ulirig, sijui ooohhh, Nooo, vote right now.

Finally ya ukweli sasa, this is an appeal to well wishers and lovers of this game, the photo below is of Daniel Mubea (Machine Full back), I’d like draw your attention to the boots he’s wearing, no those are not designer boots, he borrowed the yellow one, so the one that is strapped is the good one from the pair he owns. Na these are his game boots, sa za tizi zinakaa aje, ama ni akala? Please help….

With that fair ladies, Gents…have a productive week ahead, whatever it is that you produce…aaaaannnnnddd….

KWISHA!!!!!