Old guard give young turks rugby lesson

Various clubs organised ‘friendly’ matches between the old guard and the youth at the weekend. But, the matches were not friendly at all and every side had a grudge.

The youthful players were bubbling with energy and vowed to show the old guard that rugby was a flashy sport with all the goose steps and flair.

Also, the old guard were keen to show that rugby was all about basics. For the purposes of drawing a line between the two, any player older than 25 years was automatically old.

It is rare that you get some of the former players to don the rugby shirt for a tumble onto the pitch. Where could you get a chance to run against that coach who has been barking instructions to you during the season?

Also, where could you get even with that club official who takes major decisions on your behalf however unfavourable?

Familiar position

Former Kenya winger Gabriel Ouko, national seven-a-side coach Felix Ochieng and seven-a-side players Sidney ‘Blackrose’ Obonyo, Charles Cardovillis, Enos Otieno, Allan and Patrick Onyango all lined-up for the Kenya Harlequin FC Wazees on Saturday.

On the opposite end were Lewis Olaka and Sidney Ashioya among others. In the end, it was the Quins’ Wazee who won 34-19.

Over the fence, a similar match between Impala Wazee and Vijana was being played. Benjamin Ayimba, the national seven-a-side coach, was back at a familiar backrow position alongside Paul Oimbo.

The Vijana was captained by Nato Simiyu and had some of the first team players Malik Ndemi, Felix Makori, and Innocent Simiyu. Impala Wazee won 26-15 after leading 12-10 at half time.

The two matches had some similarities because the Wazees played to their strength which was slowing down their much faster opponents and pouncing at the opportune time.