When the second string sides from KCB and Nakuru take to the RFUEA in the ESS final, it will be more than just a curtain raiser, or a preview to the Kenya Cup final. It will be a fixture worth any final, with it’s own bit of history and sub plots attached, as far as entertainment goes it is set to match or even better what the 4 pm kick off will have in store.
The cubs of KCB have been the dominant force in this season’s ESS, indeed many will say that they have taken over from the Arturos of Quins. This will be the second ESS final in as many years that the cubs will be taking part in, after losing out last year to the Arturos.
Nakuru’s rise has been swift, after finishing fifth and missing out on the play offs last season, the side has been in hot form this time round. They finished the league phase in second place, going on to beat the Catullus of Strathmore to make it to this final.
Though the cubs have constantly been in the top teams in the second division, over the recent past Nakuru II have become a sort of Achilles heel for the cubs especially in the league. In the past two meetings, the Cubs have failed to beat Nakuru II in the last two meetings.
Nakuru II beating the cubs 24-12 last season, and 18-7 this season, the two fixtures played at the NAC. The most recent meeting between the two however, saw the cubs beat Nakuru II 36-7 at the Lions’ den on their way to successfully defending their Mwamba Cup title.
The Cubs will be up for their first ESS title since 2008 when they won the league format unbeaten, they will be gunning for second title this season after picking up the Mwamba Cup. Nakuru II will be looking for their first ESS title ever and start following in the footsteps of their senior side.
It goes without saying that these two sides play exactly like their senior sides, which means that this will be a battle of the forwards. Nakuru II always manage to dominate the scrums but will know that this cubs forwards are no push overs.
The two sides come into this one off strong performances in the semi finals, Nakuru II beating the Catullus of Strathmore 41-29 with the Cubs getting past Mwamba II 21-5. The two sides will be looking to set the pace for their senior sides as the two clubs look for a clean sweep on Saturday.
Remember to head on to our social media pages Odd Shaped Balls Kenya and @osbke for a chance to win tickets to this showdown…
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!
