Strathmore to defend title as Great Rift 10-Aside

Malik Habil of Kabras Sugar (with the ball) struggle past Grefis Onyino of Machine(right) at Nakuru Show ground during the Great Rift 10-Aside Rugby tournament i on 26-03-2016

Defending champions Strathmore Leos are facing an acid test as the 27th edition of The Great Rift 10-Aside rugby bullies off at Nakuru Athletics Club tomorrow.

Under 13 and 15 Championships at Menengai High School and the Women’s League at the venue will usher the main competition.

Strathmore Leos are top seeds in Pool A that includes Mean Machine, United States International University and Mount Kenya University – Thika Campus.

“We have made adequate arrangements for the tournament to go on smoothly without any interruptions from any quarters,” said the tournament director Kevin Rodriguez.

Security has also been beefed up in and around the hosting venue according to Robinson Security Managing Director Jim Joe.

“We can guarantee all players and participants maximum security in the three day competition,” said Joe.

The Standard Group through their brand Nairobian are media sponsors.

Hosts Top Fry Nakuru RFC, who last won the title in 2015 after earlier sharing the title with Strathmore Leos in 2011, are some of the favourites to win the trophy according to deputy coach Jotham Owili.

“We are equally eyeing the title although it will not be a walk in the park,” Owili told Standard Sports.