Leos, Homeboyz aim for Kenya Cup summit
Strathmore Leos Billy Odhiambo (right) breaks away from Kenyatta University's Paul Namenya during their Kenya Cup Rugby League match on November 15, 2014 at University of Nairobi grounds. The Leos who beat Homeboyz 11-10 in their mid-week fixture, face an unpredictable visiting Western Bulls at the Madaraka grounds. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- Strathmore, who claimed their eighth victory of the season for four points, scaled up two places to fifth with 38 points.
- The Leos leapfrogged Nakuru and Mwamba who drop to sixth and seventh with 37 and 36 points respectively.
- Homeboyz, who were placed fourth going into Wednesday match, got a bonus point for not losing with more than seven points to move one place to third with 42 points, one better than champions KCB who are now fourth.
- Homeboyz, who had previously crushed Bungoma Sharks 143-0 last weekend, have a battle against Mwamba, who are eying revenge in their return leg match at the Railway Club, Nairobi.
- The Leos, who recovered from last weekend’s 8-33 defeat by Kenya Harlequins, face unpredictable visiting Western Bulls at Madaraka.
Strathmore Leos might have beaten Homeboyz 11-10 in their mid-week Kenya Cup rugby clash at Madaraka grounds but both sides benefited from the results as they moved in their league standings.
Strathmore, who claimed their eighth victory of the season for four points, scaled up two places to fifth with 38 points.
The Leos leapfrogged Nakuru and Mwamba who drop to sixth and seventh with 37 and 36 points respectively.
Homeboyz, who were placed fourth going into Wednesday match, got a bonus point for not losing with more than seven points to move one place to third with 42 points, one better than champions KCB who are now fourth.
The match was postponed from January 9 to enable the mourning Strathmore attended the burial of their scrum-half Geoffrey Githaiga, who died on December 30.
The Leos led 8-5 at the interval through Eric Kioko’s unconverted try and Humphrey Owuor’s penalty while Homeboyz, who are sponsored by Menegai Cream Soap, scored through Felix Ojow.
Emmanuel Mavala scored a second unconverted try for the deejays before Owuor’s last gasp penalty secured not only victory but also revenge for the Leos, who lost to Homeboyz 15-18 last season.
TRICKY ASSIGNMENTS
Both Homeboyz and Leos have tricky assignments on Saturday in the 12th round of the Kenya Cup matches as they intensify their campaign for the semi-finals.
Homeboyz, who had previously crushed Bungoma Sharks 143-0 last weekend, have a battle against Mwamba, who are eying revenge in their return leg match at the Railway Club, Nairobi.
Homeboyz edged out Mwamba 10-8 in the first leg.
Homeboyz have chalked some of the most important wins for the current status in the league, beating among others Nakuru 33-25, Western Bulls 25-21, Kabras Sugar 29-28 and KCB 27-22.
The Leos, who recovered from last weekend’s 8-33 defeat by Kenya Harlequins, face unpredictable visiting Western Bulls at Madaraka.
They humbled Bulls 20-13 in the first leg.
IMPALA TOP STANDINGS
Impala Saracens hopes to stretch their league’s lead when they take on limping Nondescripts at Impala Club.
Impala top the log with 46 points from nine wins and two losses while Nondies, who have lost in their three outings, have 24 points from five wins and six defeats.
Fred Ollow’s Sarries will be on a revenge mission against the Red Lions who beat then 25-24 in a thrilling encounter last season.
“It will be an interesting battle where we can’t underrate the Red Lions.
There is nothing lethal like a wounded lion,” warned Ollows. “We are focused on taking revenge and extend our lead.”
Second placed Quins, who also have 46 points but with an inferior aggregate, take on Nakuru in an interesting derby at the Nakuru Athletics Club.
It’s Nakuru who thrashed Quins 41-10 when the sides last met.
Also at Nakuru Athletics Club, both Bungoma Sharks and Thika, who are each seeking their maiden victories face-off in the bottom of the league clash.
