Tough battle for semis slot

Mwamba’s Steve Okeyo beats KCB’s Ken Moseti (partly hidden) during their Kenya Cup Rugby league match on January 17, 2015 at RFUEA grounds. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Nakuru, KCB, Strathmore through to next phase of tourney.
  • Kabras Sugar, Mwamba, Homeboyz and Impala chase single remaining place in semis play-offs.

The battle for a place in the semi-finals of the Kenya Cup rugby league intensifies this weekend, with Kabras Sugar, Mwamba, Homeboyz and Impala all seeking to take the single remaining slot.

Defending champions and leaders Nakuru, KCB and Strathmore University have taken the first three places in the semi-final play-offs.

After last weekend’s Match Day Nine, only four matches are remaining in the regular season, with four points separating the top three teams.

Nakuru, who are chasing a third consecutive Cup title, and KCB are the only sides yet to lose a match.

However, the Great Rift side tops the 14-team log with 44 points with KCB coming in next on 43 points while Strathmore University Leos, who have lost one match, have 40 points.

KABRAS FAVOURITES TO ADVANCE

Debutants Kabras Sugar, who acquired the services of Australia coach Mike Bishop recently are better placed to grab the last place for the play-off.

Fourth-placed Kabras have 31 points, six better than Mwamba (25) whom they play on Friday at 4pm at the Impala Sports Club grounds.

Homeboyz, one 23 points, are sixth but their fortunes are pegged on their match against crispy Nakuru at the Impala Sports Club, followed by Impala, who also have slim chances of making the semi-finals with 22 points.

Impala have a golden opportunity of zeroing in on the semi-finals when they host the limping Mean Machine from the University of Nairobi at the Jamhuri Park Showground at 2pm.

KCB and Strathmore also have a chance to improve their positions this weekend. But the bankers must tread carefully against a wounded Kenya Harlequin at the RFUEA grounds from 4pm.

Strathmore are assured of a bonus-point victory against minnows Catholic Monks in their match which will start at 4pm at the Jamhuri Showground.

Kabras were on winning spree before struggling Nondescripts ended their unbeaten run in seven matches with a 16-18 defeat in Kakamega last weekend.

Homeboyz’s giant-killing instincts also faded last weekend when they crashed 5-41 to KCB in Ruaraka. Homeboyz had won their last three matches, their most precious points coming against Quins (36-22) and Strathmore (18-15).

Kabras have a battle at hand as they face Mwamba before meeting Homeboyz, Strathmore and Quins.

After Nakuru, Homeboyz will face Kabras before taking on Mombasa and Blak Blad whom they will seek to beat with bonus points. After Machine, Impala will take on KCB, Catholic and Mwamba.