Rugby: Nakuru set to soar in Kenya Cup Campaign

Nakuru's Lucas Atito (left) is chased by Frank Ochieng of Mean Machine last weekend. [PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO]

After emerging play-off winners in the Impala Floodlit Championships, Kenya Cup champions Nakuru RFC are focusing on retaining the title for the third consecutive year when they host Catholic Monks at Nakuru Athletics Club on November 8.

Nakuru who defeated Mean Machine 24-16 to clinch the third spot in the Impala Floodlit will rely on star players Nelson Oyoo, Allan Odiyo and international Martin Owillah with the support of speedster Charles Odhiambo against the Monks who are making the debut in the league.

Nakuru RFC coach Dominique Habimana exuded confidence, saying: “We are keen to have a positive start and conquer the league,” Habimana told FeverPitch.

Seven matches are lined up on November 8 to usher in the longer version of rugby.KCB who won the Impala Floodlit open their campaign
against debutants Kabras Sugar in Ruaraka.

Coach Curtis having wrestled the National Sevens Circuit title says: “The league requires a lot of maturity unlike some tournaments. We are taking a match at a time and my approach this time will be very different and unpredictable in all the matches.”

They are defending champions Top Fry Nakuru RFC, Western Bulls (Kakamega), Mombasa Sports Club (Mombasa), Kisumu RFC(Kisumu) and Eldoret RFC (Eldoret).

Catholic Monks and Kabras Sugar are making their debut while Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad and Mombasa Sports Club have been promoted.

In a new strategy, Kenya Rugby Union has introduced double-header matches and night fixtures, which will only be played on Fridays starting November 14.

The first double header also programmed for November 8 pits Homeboyz against Mean Machine at RFUEA Grounds in the first match at 2pm then Quins against Blak Blad at 4pm. The second double header to be played at Railways Club will see Nondies hostWestern Bulls at 2pm and thereafter Mwamba takes on Impala at 4pm.