Rugby: Gitonga bullish as Quins hunt down fourth win against Oilers in Nakuru

Lyle Asiligwa (center)of Kenya Harlequins battles with Menengai Oilers players during the Kenya cup match at Nakuru Ask Show ground on February 29,2020.Photo:Kipsang Joseph/Standard

Kenya Harlequin captain Elisha Gitonga is upbeat they will defeat high flying Menengai Oilers when the two sides face off against each other in a round five Kenya Cup match to be played at ASK Showground in Nakuru.

Quins will be seeking to bounce back to winning ways when they travel to Nakuru.

The eight-times Kenya Cup champions lost to Homeboyz in their last match before the league went for the festive season break but Gitonga believes they are still a force to reckon and they are confident of a win after rectifying all their mistakes witnessed last time out.

“The team is looking sharp after the festive season. We started training immediately after the Christmas break so mentally and physically we are up for it,” he said.

Acknowledging Oilers threat this season, Gitonga said they will not be shaken with the latter’s unbeaten run and will fight for maximum points.

“Well, we’ve had two derbies, (Nondies and Impala) which are always a battle regardless of the team’s current form. And Yes! Oilers is another big game for us, one reason being we’ve not beaten them in Nakuru. So it’s definitely a challenge we are looking to complete this weekend regardless of their form,” added Gitonga

Kenya Harlequins are fourth with 13 points seven points behind Oilers who are second tied with leaders Kabras Sugar.

Oilers are unbeaten in the league after four matches and lead the standings alongside Kabras Sugar on 20 points.

Gitonga will marshal the front row alongside Brian Waraba and Melvin Thairu as Mike Onsando and Ben Onyangoform the locks.

Dominic Osino returns to start at fullback while Ivan Chebo start on the right wing as Charles Kinyanjui moves to the left wing.

Johnstone Mung’au and Dennis Ambitho are in the midfield with Lucky Dewald and Charles Marcel set to hold scrum-half and fly-half roles.

Squads

Kenya Harlequins: 1.Elisha Koronya 2. Brian Waraba 3. Melvin Thairu 4. Mike Onsando 5. Ben Onyango 6. Charlton Mokua 7. Felix Makhokha 8. Sheldon Kahi 9. Lucky Dewald 10. Charles Marcel 11.Charles Kinyanjui 12. Johnstone Mungau 13. Dennis Ambitho 14. Ivan Chebo 15. Dominic Osino

Menengai Oilers 1.Mwaura Edward 2.Kelvin Mukoyani 3.Emmanuel Makwata 4.Wallace Onyango 5.Clinton Odhiambo 6.Nickson Ochieng 7.Tyson Maina 8.Chrispine Shitundo-C 9.Kelvin Mburu 10.Geoffrey Ominde 11.Beldad Ogeta 12.John Okoth 13.Dennis Abukuse 14.Timothy Okwemba 15.Davis Nyaundi