QUINS, NONDIES RENEW RIVALRY: Time for bruises, knocks as rugby clubs clash at RFUEA grounds

Nondies player is tackled by Kenya Harlequins in a past league encounter

Two of Kenya's oldest rugby clubs will renew their rivalry today in the Kenya Cup as Kenya Harlequins host Nondies at RFUEA grounds.
The two teams share a rich history and are two of the most decorated sides in Kenyan rugby and this match is expected to attract a number of old die-hard fans in a fixture expected to be both heated and emotional.
Despite previous tradition, the match will be watered down by the fact that both teams are swimming in unfamiliar waters as they have only won two games in the league. Quins occupy the seventh slot, while Nondies are eighth.
Both sides are hoping to pick up on their form, before it is too late to chase a semi-final slot in the Kenya Cup. The sides look equal to the task and victory could fall either way as they seek to build on new players and different combinations.
This will be the top fixture of the day at RFUEA grounds, which will also play host to Kenya Commercial Bank versus Impala RFC match. KCB are so far unbeaten in the league and lie third on the log, while Impala are ninth after registering two league victories.
Impala have been blowing hot and cold in the league so far and lost heavily to Mwamba and Strathmore only to bounce back and convincingly beat Homeboyz and Kenya Harlequins. Their main issue will be whether they will at their best on this day, as they have the potential to beat the Bankers, who have been more consistent. KCB are obviously title contenders alongside defending champions Nakuru RFC and current league leaders Strathmore University, hence they cannot afford to slip at any stage of the tournament. KCB's toughest fixture was against Kabras in their first game of the tournament, but they have since been playing lower-placed teams in the table.
Impala will definitely be a tough fixture for them and will test their ability to contend for title. Meanwhile, Andrew Karani and Godwin Karuga will be the referees in charge of the two Kenya Cup fixtures. Karani will officiate the early kickoff pitting KCB against the Resolution Impala Saracens and will be assisted by Raymond Oruo and Moses Ndung'u. Karuga will take charge of the late kick off at the RFUEA Grounds, officiating the Kenya Harlequin- Total Nondies encounter. His assistants on the day will be Chris Okumu and Peris Mukoko.