This Saturday at the RFUEA grounds Nakuru and KCB will be standing in each other’s way to the Enterprise Cup. Nakuru were in the same position last year where they lost to Mwamba, KCB were in this position back in 2007 when they beat Mwamba to claim their last Enterprise title.
Mwamba Cup
Before these two giants clash, there will be the Mwamba Cup finals, starting with the Division II final at 11:30 am, this one a battle between Impala III and Shieywe. Impala had a tougher route to the final having to play through 100 minutes before edging out TUK, 25-24. Shieywe on their part booked this ticket without as much as lifting a ball, benefiting from a walk over against Kakamega.
Shortly after this one, division I defending champions, KCB Cubs will face it out against the Calves of Western bulls. The defending champions will be looking to make it back to back titles while the Calves would be looking for their first major piece of silverware since their inception.
The two have had impressive runs in the tournament so far, the cubs have seen of Blad II, Nakuru II and most recently Nondies II to reach this final. The calves have made their way past Impala II, Mwamba II and the CUEA Monks to book this berth.
The cubs will be favourites going into this one, having already beaten the calves in the ESS league, 37-8. This will however be a whole different ball game, with a title at the end of the eighty minutes or more, anything can happen.
Enterprise Cup
This was the final most had predicted, with the two in form sides clashing for the oldest title in Kenya rugby history. In the 75 years that the Enterprise cup has been contested, these two have a total of eight titles between them, with Nakuru winning their first of six titles in 1948 and the most recent in 2008.
KCB’s two titles came in quick succession in 2004 and 2007. Though they were credited with the 2011/12 title, the side has never accepted the accolade.
These two have been involved in some titanic clashes over the recent past, with Nakuru holding the upper hand. The Wanyore have won four of the last five encounters, with the other ending in a 15 all draw two seasons back. They met a record three times last season, twice in the Kenya Cup and once in a Enterprise Cup semi final.
As far as recent history goes, Nakuru might as well start celebrating their 9th Enterprise Cup. But a small fact that most KCB faithful will point out, all the four losses came at the NAC, that draw came at the den. This will be the second time the sides meet in the capital in 3 years.
Both sides had a bye to the quarter finals having made it to last year’s semis, the Wanyore started out against the Homeboyz, beating them 35-10 at the NAC. At the same time in the den, KCB were seeing off Quins 36-6 to progress to the semi finals.
Nakuru met Nondies in their semi final, beating them 38-10 to make it to this final. A week later KCB were stretched by a determined Impala side, eventually edging past 31-24 after 100 minutes.
The two sides have been in high scoring form, the Wanyore putting in an average of 36.5 points past their opponents with the Lions at 33.5. The sides have also been mean in defence, with Nakuru allowing an average of 10 points, KCB letting in 15 on average. Though if you break down these numbers according to minutes played it gives a slightly different picture.
As always between these two, the battle of the forwards will be immense. Last time out, the Wanyore dominated the set pieces leaving the lions to feed on the scraps. The Lions will have to step up their forward play if they are going to get anything here. If they manage to edge this battle or stay in it, then their backs will have a chance to run their opponents.
It is bound to be a closely fought out match, one that might have extra time in store if both sides turn up.
Collated Fixtures :
Impala III vs Shiywe, 11:30 am – Mwamba Cup Division II Final.
KCB II vs Western Bulls II, 1:30 pm – Mwamba Cup Final.
KCB vs Nakuru, 4:00 pm – Enterprise Cup Final.
(Gate Charges – 300)
Remember, we are giving away 10 tickets to these matches on our social media pages. @osbke on twitter and Odd Shaped Balls Kenya on Facebook don’t miss your chance.
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!
