The Western Bulls picked up their first top flight title at the weekend, after beating Homeboyz 15-0 in the Nairobi 10s cup final.
The Echulusi crowned their solid showing over the two days with a commanding display in the final against the hosts. The Kakamega side finished second in Pool F, qualifying for the cup competition as one of the best runners ups. Coincidentally they drew the side that beat them to top spot in pool F, Blak blad, in the cup quarter finals on day 2.
Day 1 action was however dominated by the Kenya Harlequins who went through their three matches in Pool E without conceding a single point. The strong Quins side looked poised for the main title if not a place in the final at the very least.
The day’s surprise package was Blak Blad who came in second on the overall rankings at the close of day one, having topped Pool F. Their 10-5 result against Western Bulls in the last match of Day 1 saw the side become outside favorites.
Apart from Quins who had fielded an almost full strength side, hosts Homeboyz alongside the Western Bulls had also made their intentions known early on from their squad selection.
Impala’s Academy had impressed many at the end of day one, opening their campaign with a thunderous 55-0 result against Kisii RFC. The young charges then followed this up with equally impressive 21-0 and 24-5 results against Daystar and the Catholic Monks respectively to finish top of Pool D.
At the end of Day 1, these young Impala charges were my pick of the lot, playing some eye catching and effective rugby to dismiss sides that are way above their playing age. My bet was they would keep this form going on Day 2.
Shield Quarter Finals
Stormers vs Brumbies
Seku vs Eastlanders
Kiambu vs MKU
Daystar vs Comras
Bowl Quarter Finals
JKUAT vs Dagoretti Bull Dogs
TUK vs Machine
Ngong vs Muranga
Kisii vs Catholic
Cup Quarter Finals
Quins vs Nondies
Homeboyz vs Strathmore
Blakblad vs Western Bulls
Impala vs Mwamba
Cup action kicked off on Day 2 with Quins keeping their tournament’s ‘virginity’ intact, after beating rivals Nondies 27-0. This Nondies side had impressively made it to the cup competition even after missing their first match in Pool B. They could however not find a way past the quartered shirts.
The hosts blanked Strathmore 19-0 in the second quarter final, in what was a rare result seeing as these two usually play out very close results. The Western Bulls got to avenge that Day 1 loss to Blad at the earliest opportunity, edging out the KU students 7-0.
My bet on the Impala Academy gained momentum as the youngsters saw off Mwamba 12-7, in a closely fought out affair. After taking a 12-0 lead into the break, Impala found themselves hanging on to dear life towards of the end of the second half.
Kulabu had scored a converted try and spent the closing minutes of the match inside the Impala 22, the young lads showing great grit and with a bit of luck getting the result.
The Comras went on to lift the Shield title, beating Brumbies 19-5 in the final. Brumbies had beaten SEKU 14-0 in the semis with Comras edging MKU 12-5.
It was a bitter sweet win for JKUAT as they lifted the Bowl title, dedicating this win to one of their team mates, Clinton Mutai who passed on recently. The Cougars were clinical in the final, claiming a 24-5 result against Kisii RFC.
In drenching conditions, the Strathmore Leos picked up the Plate title, beating Blakblad 12-0 under the pouring Nairobi rain. Blakblad booked their spot in this final courtesy of an impressive 12-7 win over Mwamba with Strathmore edging Nondies 14-12.
Impala’s spirited charge at the title came to a grinding halt in the semi finals at the hands of the eventual champions, Western Bulls. The Echulusi’s experience came to the fore as they made their physical advantage count early on. Relentlessly pounding at the Impala defence in the opening minutes of their semi final.
From this point everything the young Impala charges tries went wrong as they struggled to put together a couple of phases. The Bulls emerging 12-0 winners.
Coming into the second semi final, Quins still held a 100% defensive record, the only one in the tournament this far. That fact would change very fast, as the Djs scored 4 converted tries for a 28-0 lead, Quins would score a consolation on their way out for a 28-5 final score.
The heavy rains that pounded the RFUEA grounds had faded away just before the main cup final kick off. The wet grounds however meant that the underfoot and handling conditions will take a beating in this one. These conditions slightly favoured the Echulusi, with Kakamega known for its frequent rains.
Credit to the two sides who still gave us an entertaining final despite the conditions. It was however the Bulls who came out on top, scoring two tries before the half time breather. Then sealing the win in the dying minutes of the match for a 15-0 final score.
The Nairobi 10s title continues to evade the hosts, it has now been 4 years of heart break for the Djs, having made the cup final in every edition held so far.
It was two days of great rugby action, a wealth of fresh young talent was on display, alongside some great experienced heads in there. In so many words, it was the full rugby experience on and off the pitch, cant wait for next year!
Finally, voting for the BAKE Awards closes on April 30th, its probably time to get that vote in, don’t you think? or on the ‘Vote OSBKE’ badge on the top right panel..Asanta!
Oh before I leave, we will be at the Bulls’ backyard this weekend, for the inagural Kakamega 10s on the 1st and 2nd of May, it will be interesting to see if the Djs return the favour and lift the Kakamega 10s title.
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!!