Not a very action packed weekend as far as rugby is concerned, but a very pivotal week none the less. As we all know the KXVs were defending their C.A.R division 1A title in Jemmal Tunisia with a universities side also representing the nation in Brive France.
In France, the universities side finished third in their pool, having lost to Belgium 7-10, drew with Spain 19 ups and with Japan 17 ups. This saw the lads play in the Plate quarter where they lost to Canada 21-24, which further relegated them to playing in the 3rd and 4th play off of the Plate category also losing that one 12-14. This saw the side finish 12th overall out of the 18 participating teams. Considering that this was a team that was put together on adhoc basis they did good, though they did not win a single match, they did not lose by much either, it was the fine margins that come with playing together that was the difference at the end of the day..all in all well in Lads.
In Tunisia the KXVs managed to remain in division 1A and keep project 2015 alive, it was no easy task though. We first went down narrowly to Uganda, 19-20 in the semi final yeah very painful, but picked ourselves up in the third place play off to beat the host Nation Tunisia 31-24 in what was a see saw affair. We went into the half leading 14-13 courtesy of Mose and Adimo tries, then trailed 14-16 at one point we then went on to tie at 21 all with precious little time left. The introduction of Machanje was what made the difference, the substitute making a great run to set up Oscar Ouma for the try with K’opondo bringing it home at 31-24. Exciting as that was, the loss to Uganda still leaves a bad taste, but well we will fight another day. By the way the sebos went onto lose to Zimbabwe 22-18 to finish second. Next year’s division 1A will double up as the 2015 World cup qualifier, we will be fighting for this spot against Uganda, Zimbabwe and now Madagascar.
After the C.A.R championships the latest IRB rankings saw us jump a two spots up to 38th, Uganda are 41st with Zimbabwe ranked 29th. Focus now shifts to the Victoria cup, Kenya host Zim on 28th, the Mugabe boys will be playing host to the sebos this weekend (21st) in Harare.
Locally, the confusion that has now become the Enterprise Cup took another twist at the weekend, with KCB showing up at the RFUEA ready to play Quins. But arrived to an unwilling host so to say, the with the quartered shirts not turning up for the game. KCB captain and Match referee Karimi signing the match sheet and the game awarded as a walk over to KCB. This being Kenya Rugby though let’s wait and see…
Finally whispers going round are that Ulinzi Rugby will be back..they are just whispers for now but very promising ones. Let’s hope that we’ll get to see the disciplined forces playing together once more. Harufu ya Masaku inanukia by the way…Kilunda time coming up, nooo vaaa….
A Happy birthday to former, or is it next former Machine Captain Cedric ‘ Cedo’ Odera, he turns 45 on this day…but just play along atasema anaturn sijui 24 ama 25..lol!
With that ladies and gents….
KWISHA…nimeruka Nje!!!
P.S To all the new Rugby fans…something for you coming up soon!
