QUINS’ STERN TEST: Harlequin face epic battle against neighbours Impala in Kenya Cup
Rugby
By
BS MULAVI
| Nov 22, 2014
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| Patrice Agunda (left) of Kenya Harlequins storms past Mean Machines defence during their Kenya cup rugby match at University of nairobi grounds on 15-11-2015.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO |
Second-placed Kenya Harlequin face their sternest test yet, as they host Impala RFC for the first derby of the Kenya Cup this season.
Quins have so far played Homeboyz RFC and University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine, which they won convincingly to claim maximum points from the two fixtures.
Their game against Impala, referred to as the Ngong Road Derby, will definitely be one of their toughest of the season as the two teams share a rich history.
Talking to FeverPitch after their hard-fought victory over Mean Machine at the University of Nairobi last weekend, Quins’ technical manager and former player, Victor Sudi, claimed that they are looking forward to the Derby which he expects will be more difficult than other games.
“It’s a derby so both teams will be desperate for the win,” he said. “This will bring a very interesting dynamic to the game, and it will be a good game for the team and the fans,” he added.
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Impala have had mixed results in their previous two games, where they lost heavily to Mwamba in the first weekend, but recovered to hammer Homeboyz in the second weekend.
They will be hoping to carry on with the momentum they had against Homeboyz to register what could be notably the first upset of the season.
This game will be the second game of the day at the RFUEA grounds, where Homeboyz will also be playing Western Bulls. Western Bulls have on two occasions come from down to win against Nondies and Mwamba.
They will be favourites to win this match as well after Homeboyz were given a thorough thrashing last weekend by Impala.
In the other fixtures of the weekend, Mwamba will be playing Nondies at the adjacent Impala Club in a game that will be followed by Kenya Commercial Bank playing against Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad.
Meanwhile, outside Nairobi, the defending champions Nakuru RFC will host Mombasa RF, whereas this season’s surprise package Kabras RFC will host Catholic University at the Kakamega High School.
Both teams are debutants to the Kenya Cup this season and, having lost their first two games, this will be their chance to register their first ever victory in the league.
The odds are stacked heavily towards Kabras RFC who will have the home advantage and have already given a good account of themselves against KCB and Nakuru in the past two weekends.