Plans to redeem rugby title ambitions

By BS Mulavi

Strathmore RFC are hoping to get their title ambitions back on track when they play champions Harlequin today at the RFUEA Ground for the fourth round of the Kenya Cup.

Still reeling from their slender 29-25 defeat to Nondies last weekend, coach Mitch Ocholla and his troops are hoping they can bounce back with a win against unbeaten Quins. Despite their loss last weekend, Strathmore are still second in the league due to bonus points they have, but a loss today may see them tumble by four spots in the table.

Strathmore’s Teddy Solano is tackled by Martin Piet of Nondies in last weekend’s Kenya Cup match at the Jamhuri Park. Strathmore play Quins today at the RFUEA Grounds. [PHOTO: MARTIN MUKANGU/STANDARD]

But Ocholla has refused to throw in the towel and instead insists they are prepared for such situations.

"We played against Nondies last weekend and they have a very heavy pack which prepared us for this tie," he said.

"We just have to contain them and try to play our game. The score will sort itself out after that," he added.

Strathmore are not the only ones sweating about their position in the league, as also league leaders Impala have a tricky fixture against Nondies at the Jamhuri Park.

The Gazelles have a mountain to climb as the White Shirts are unbeaten at home this season, while Impala have to play a reserve team with their main players having flown to Singapore for the Singapore Cricket Club Sevens.

Even though their core players are out, Impala’s depth might just save them with Mike Mugo, Nato Simiyu, Innocent Simiyu, Brian Nyikuli, Brian Assa and Elias Makori all available for selection.

Nondies, on the other hand, are boosted by the return of Gray Cullen and Odera Owino to their already impressive pack, which is why they are expected to dominate so as to starve the visitors a platform from where there backs can run from.

The last fixture of the weekend will see Mwamba take on Mean Machine at the Impala Club. Both teams are smarting from depressing losses and need to win to keep up with the rest of the fray.

Mean Machine are currently struggling with numbers in training with most of their players sitting for examinations at the University of Nairobi, while Mwamba, on the other hand, are full house and are expected to name a strong squad.

Machine are yet to win a game this season under new coach Sydney Obonyo and the forecast is looking no brighter.