Items by DataMiner

Rugby in Kenya

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: March 11, 2010, 6:04 pm by DataMiner

  Sorry folks, not my usual one, but a ramble all the same. I'm just amazed at the shenanigans going on, the horse trading, the assertion of authority, the impunity and I won't even mention the C word here lest I'm threatened with law suits. I think Rugby in Kenya is finally with the big boys and all the above comes with the territory. I am even ashamed for myself and some of my erstwhile

• Mwanja and Sudi Return to Shujaa

  Posted: March 11, 2010, 1:58 pm by DataMiner

  The Kenya Rugby Football Union has named the squad to participate in the next two legs of the IRB Sevens Circuit. "Ironman" Dennis Mwanja and Victor Sudi return to a squad that also has a new face, Dennis Muhanji of Kenya Harlequins.The squad is as follows.Humphrey Kayange [Captain] - Mwamba RFCLavin Asego - Mwamba RFCCollins Injera -

• Kenya Cup Results - 060310

  Posted: March 6, 2010, 11:39 pm by DataMiner

  Strathmore 8 KCB 25, Mwamba 21 Impala 39, Nakuru 37 Nondies 17,Quins 46 Machine 3,

• Weekend Games

  Posted: March 5, 2010, 11:38 am by DataMiner

  Kenya Cup enters the fourth week this Saturday with the usual four matches on the cards. Mwamba will host Resolution Health Impala, Strathmore host KCB, Nondies are away at Nakuru and Machine play Nivea for Men Harlequins at the KRFUEA grounds.Impala will beat Mwamba by a score, KCB will win by over 10 points, but no bonus point. Nakuru will scrape through Nondies by a score as well and Quins

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: March 3, 2010, 5:24 pm by DataMiner

  Firstly I would like to thank all the people that visit this blog. They are the fire that keeps the blog burning and the reason for its existence. I would also like to thank all those who leave their comments here. Some harsh, some abusive, but nonetheless very informative. And one of them has given me a topic for my ramble today.Who owns Rugby? Is it a word, is it a game, is it a place?

• Kenya Cup - Week 3

  Posted: March 1, 2010, 2:22 pm by DataMiner

  I think the form book just got better. The minnows are putting up a stiff fight and will for sure play a role in the semi final pairings, as a loss to any one of them could change the rankings at the top, and it's going to happen soon! I believe KCB and Quins are now joint top, with Impala at third. Nakuru barely retain fourth spot. Mean Machine will climb to fifth spot with the tail being

• Kenya Cup Results 270210

  Posted: February 27, 2010, 10:01 pm by DataMiner

  Impala 16 Nondies 10 Machine 15 Nakuru 7 Quins 5 Strathmore 3 KCB 26 Mwamba 18.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: February 26, 2010, 12:39 pm by DataMiner

  Getting back into my stride slowly. Kenya Cup Week 3 sees Resolution Health Impala host Nondescripts, Kenya Commercial Bank host Mwamba, Strathmore Leos host Nivea for Men Harlequiuns and Mean Machine host Nakuru.Impala will overrun Nondies by 8 points, KCB will whip Mwamba by over 15 points, Strathmore will harass Quins but eventually lose by 8 points and I expect Machine to beat Nakuru by a

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: February 23, 2010, 1:00 pm by DataMiner

  For some reason, this year, the KRFU elections seem to be a low key affair. For a union that sends out at least 4 media releases a week, I am yet to see one concerning the AGM that is scheduled for tomorrow. Much as an AGM is for the union to highlight it's achievements and its agenda for the coming year, they at times turn to be our typical Kenyan political scenario. Last year's was one of

• Kenya Cup Results 130310

  Posted: February 14, 2010, 4:14 am by DataMiner

  Nakuru 32 Mwamba 3 Quins 31 Nondies 10 Impala 31 Strathmore 3 KCB 54 Machine 16

• Weekend Games

  Posted: February 12, 2010, 6:01 pm by DataMiner

  Our regular weekends are back. Kenya Cup and Eric Shirley commence and it is short and quick this time. Only one leg then semis and finals so no time for recovery.Impala host Strathmore University, KCB host Mean Machine, Quins host Nondies and Nakuru host Mwamba. My calls are Impala over Strathmore, though not by too much. KCB will pip Machine, one score the range. Quins should beat Nondies

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: February 11, 2010, 10:50 am by DataMiner

  Is the union principle of top down development working? That is a question I have asked myself many a time. I, for one, am a believer in bottom up principles as they are all inclusive and all encompassing and leaves nothing to chance if well managed. The reverse I believe is escapist and myopic and for the faint hearted. However, I may be wrong!For over a decade now, the union has

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: February 1, 2010, 7:50 pm by DataMiner

  Hello and Happy New Year to all. Sorry for my long absence but I've been doing quite a bit of traveling. For some reason also, the goings on at the union are just too juicy, some even I don't have the guts to post. And lastly, maybe someone sniffed me out and I have somehow been compromised. It has taken me a good two weeks, just going through the blog, checking my old posts, from the first

• Out and In, a New Season Beckons

  Posted: December 31, 2009, 1:57 pm by DataMiner

  2009 was a very eventful year. Several events happened that shaped the course of the year and the course of rugby in Kenya. Highlights of the year were the international events that took place here. The Junior World Rugby Trophy ranks very highly in the list of tournaments that the IRB holds and hosting it was a great honour and privilege. At that level we also hosted the Africa Under 19

• Happy Holidays

  Posted: December 18, 2009, 1:32 pm by DataMiner

  From myself and hopefully the rest of the contributors here at rugbykenya.blogspot.com, we wish you Happy Holidays. Do enjoy your Christmas and the New Year Celebrations. Let us try to practice what we preach and do everything in moderation. All the while thinking about tomorrow, because though it never comes, yesterday is also gone forever.Just to put you in the mood, some famous rugby quotes

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: December 15, 2009, 1:19 pm by DataMiner

  Good news. Kenya Rugby cleared out the ruck boards at the SOYA awards. We got three awards including the ultimate one Sportsman of the Year. My fellow blogger, Sportskenya.blogspot.com, got some right and I had been tempted to say some strong words there, but the one he thought we would win hands-down, I'm glad we did not. What has happened in the last twelve months has perhaps let people

• Kenya to Face Australia in George Rugby Quarters

  Posted: December 12, 2009, 12:30 pm by DataMiner

  After a sterling performance yesterday that ended with a 12 all draw against South Africa, Shujaa are now set to face Australia in the main cup Quarter Finals of the George Rugby Sevens after topping their pool. Outstanding performances the whole day from former captain Ian Simiyu and current captain Humphrey Kayange propelled the team to the outstanding performance.The match will be at 14:51

• Driftwood Rugby Sevens Draw

  Posted: December 10, 2009, 5:16 pm by DataMiner

  Strathmore University are once more top seeds for the event. KCB for the first time get a top three seeding at number two and joint circuit leaders Harlequins are third. Strathmore head Pool A alongside Nondies, Mwamba and newcomers Shepherds RFC. KCB's Pool B also contains Machine, Blak Blad and Kenya Poly. Pool C contains Quins, Mombasa Poly, Daystar and Homeboyz whilst Impala, Nakuru,

• Western Union National Sevens Circuit Down to the Wire

  Posted: December 9, 2009, 3:57 pm by DataMiner

  Literally balanced on a knife edge. With Strathmore and Harlequins neck to neck at 90 points, and Nakuru third at 82, it is one of these three sides who will win the title. The rest are stark outsiders considering that even for Nakuru to win, both Strathmore and Quins need to drop out before the semi final stage! And the points difference will only come to play if both Quins and Strathmore are

• Strathmore Winners At Kabeberi

  Posted: December 7, 2009, 2:01 pm by DataMiner

  Strathmore University Leos lived up to their top billing and scooped the George Mwangi Kabeberi Sevens title with a 10-5 victory over KCB in the final. The win gave the students 24 points and now lie joint first with Harlequins on 90 points as we go into the final round of matches in Mombasa next weekend. Nakuru's loss in the quarter finals has seen them slip off the pace and lie third with 82

• Kabeberi Rugby Sevens Order of Play

  Posted: December 4, 2009, 6:10 pm by DataMiner

  Top seeds Strathmore University Leos kick off proceedings against Kenyatta University Blak Blad at 10.00 a.m. Log leaders Quins start off against Mombasa Poly at 10.36 and runners' up Nakuru with Daystar at 11.48. The matches of the day will be the pool deciders from 4:18 p.m. with Strathmore against Machine, Quins against Mwamba, KCB against Masinde Muliro and Nakuru against Impala. These

• Kenya Launch Campaign Against Russia

  Posted: December 3, 2009, 6:29 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya will begin their campaign in the IRB World Seven Series against Russia tomorrow at 9.26 EAT in the Dubai leg of the circuit. They will than face up against USA at 13.02 before winding up with Pool C top seeds England at 17.52. You can get more details here, including possibly a live feed tomorrow for the matches.Expectations are high back home after the team reached the semi finals of the

• Strathmore Favorites at Kabeberi

  Posted: December 2, 2009, 2:45 pm by DataMiner

  Top seeds Strathmore University are the favorites for this weekend's Kabeberi Memorial Sevens, hosted by Mwamba, as the Western Union National Sevens Circuit enters the penultimate leg. They head Pool A alongside fellow university sides Mean Machine and Blak Blad. Completing the group will be newcomers Homeboyz. It will be interesting to see how the battle of the Universities pans out as a few

• A Time to Reflect

  Posted: December 1, 2009, 12:58 pm by DataMiner

  Today is World Aids Day. Always a time to sit back and think. How we are all either infected or affected. And why we do what we do the way we do it. By all being somehow implicated, it means we are all in it together. And due to that we must all find a way out together. Just reminiscing on last year's post on the same day, quite a bit has gone on since. That post covers it quite aptly and

• Western Union National Sevens Circuit Opens Up

  Posted: November 30, 2009, 3:35 pm by DataMiner

  The win by Strathmore University over the weekend at the Nakuru Prinsloo 7's has turned Western Union National Sevens Circuit into at three team affair. By knocking out favorites Nakuru at the semi finals stage and doing the same to now leaders Harlequins in the final, they assured themselves of a massive 30 points that puts them within range of the ultimate title. My calculations have Quins

• Nakuru Prinsloo 7's Order of Play

  Posted: November 27, 2009, 4:41 pm by DataMiner

  Top seeds Kenya Harlequin open play against newcomers Homeboyz. My sources have not been very good this time and I don't know the composition of this team, but I expect it to be an invitational team with some mercenaries! Next up will Flames against USIU. The top matches of the day will be the closing ones from about 3.15 p.m. though the Mwamba vs. Masinde Muliro match at 1.35 should be one to

• Nakuru Prinsloo Draw Released

  Posted: November 26, 2009, 3:12 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya Harlequin are the top seeds for this weekend's Prinsloo Sevens in Nakuru. Hosts and runners up last weekend Nakuru are second seeded with KCB and Strathmore third and fourth in that order. The equalising rationalisation of points for the sixteen team tournaments to come close to the twenty four team ones means there is no real advantage in winning the bigger events now. Due to the

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: November 24, 2009, 3:22 pm by DataMiner

  Looking in from Outside!Very many factors influence your vision. The presence of blinds or curtains. The tint on the windows. The angle of the sunlight. Placement of furniture in the room. And placement of the what you actually want to see in the room. So you ask, what am I trying to see?Purely as an outsider, who's only interest is in the game, the welfare of the players, the welfare of

• Christies 7's Order of Play

  Posted: November 20, 2009, 3:39 pm by DataMiner

  Day 1 Matches will be played as below. Match No Time 1 10:00 NAKURU vs MOMBASA POLY 2 10:18 KISUMU vs CATHOLIC 3 10:36 QUINS vs USIU 4 10:54 MASINDE MULIRO vs JKUAT 5 11:12 IMPALA vs MACHINE 6 11:30 NONDIES vs

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: November 18, 2009, 9:39 pm by DataMiner

  With the Sevens season now in full swing, now would be the time to recollect our thoughts, and with next season barely two months away from starting, think about where we were, where we are, and where we can be. Unfortunately it is not so. You see, we have become solely mindful of rugby sevens and leave the regular rugby as an aside. Yes, we are more visible in sevens and yes, people are ready

• Nakuru Top Seeds in Christie Sevens

  Posted: November 18, 2009, 5:15 pm by DataMiner

  After their sterling performance last week that saw them claim the Dala Sevens title, the first of the five leg National Sevens Circuit, Nakuru have been seeded top at this weekends Christie Sevens, to be hosted by Kenya Harlequins. The hosts have been seeded second with Impala and Strathmore third and fourth respectively.Nakuru are placed in Pool A alongside Kisumu, Mombasa Polytechnic and

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: November 11, 2009, 6:24 pm by DataMiner

  My favorite part of the season is over and maybe I also need to take a break. I firmly believe that the foundation of all rugby is the fifteen a side code and all else is supplementary. You can play fifteen a side rugby all year round and it is truly the game where people of all shapes and sizes can play. A key identity of the game of rugby. Come sevens and already the fields are emptying

• Supremacy Cup

  Posted: November 2, 2009, 3:43 pm by DataMiner

  It turned out not to be the battle all expected it to be. Impala made it 3 wins out of 4 over Harlequins this season and quite an emphatic win it was. The first half lived up to it's billing but Quins didn't come out for the second half. They allowed Impala to pile score after score and their desperation caused them to try running from deep in their half, that error costing them dearly.The

• Supremacy Cup Results

  Posted: October 31, 2009, 11:31 pm by DataMiner

  Impala 33 Quins 24 KCB II 10 Quins II 25

• Weekend Games

  Posted: October 30, 2009, 6:33 pm by DataMiner

  Two matches on the cards this weekend. The supremacy cup between the winners of the leagues and cups in both divisions. Kenya Harlequins are represented in both matches and were the winners of the same event last year. The second division match pits them against perennial rivals KCB whilst the highlight of the day also is against arch rivals Impala.Both matches promise to be explosive. The

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: October 28, 2009, 6:43 pm by DataMiner

  Well the fifteens season has come to a close and I must say it was quite a season. Midway through the season I started to feel that we were quickly forgetting about what fifteens rugby is about and losing patience with the whole thing. True, some teams could not be bothered, and some other teams have not played a single fifteen a side match this season, but to those that did, congratulations

• Enterprise Cup Result

  Posted: October 24, 2009, 10:10 pm by DataMiner

  Harlequins 19 Impala 6

• Weekend Games

  Posted: October 23, 2009, 2:56 pm by DataMiner

  Two matches on the cards this weekend. The undercard is what has become the perennial rivalry in Kenyan second division rugby. KCB seconds take on Quins seconds in the final of the Mwamba Cup. The same teams muscled up in last year's final with KCB getting the better of Quins. What is it to be this time?The main event sees Impala take on Kenya Harlequins. The two teams had varied yet equally

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: October 21, 2009, 5:57 pm by DataMiner

  A peek into the future, foresight, reading the tea leaves, or mole in the camp? The choice is yours. Less than a week after I spoke about it, it has come to pass. The head honcho of the 7's team has "urged" clubs to release their players for national team duty. I like the terminology used, and masking it as a request, whilst we all know what it is. It is a muted threat to the players, comply

• Enterprise Cup Result

  Posted: October 17, 2009, 10:02 pm by DataMiner

  KCB 9 Quins 16.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: October 16, 2009, 4:36 pm by DataMiner

  Only one official match on the cards this weekend. The Enterprise Cup replay between KCB and Quins at Ruaraka. The first match was hopelessly drawn and truth be told, I don't think extra time would have satisfactorily broken the deadlock.Having watched that match, I think Quins have the more patient and steady build up whilst KCB are more deadly when within striking distance. It will make for

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: October 15, 2009, 3:17 pm by DataMiner

  Don't really have much on my head today. Just to reminisce about some past posts of mine and others. Recent comments on this blog have led me to believe that yes, we have been on the right track. I have always been one to advocate for strong clubs. Everyone knows that without strong roots, you cannot have a strong tree. And the roots of all rugby is the clubs. The clubs pick up the

• Enterprise Cup - Semi Finals

  Posted: October 12, 2009, 4:41 pm by DataMiner

  The drama-filled season continued unabated. Impala came from 12-0 down to overcome Nakuru by one point. There was nothing to separate Harlequins and KCB and with rapidly fading light, a replay was decided on this coming weekend at the KCB home ground.Impala thus have a week to wait, prepare and watch their potential opponent before the final. Do have a good week.

• Enterprise Cup Results

  Posted: October 10, 2009, 11:02 pm by DataMiner

  Nakuru 12 Impala 13 Quins 8 KCB 8.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: October 9, 2009, 7:07 pm by DataMiner

  The Enterprise Cup enters the Semi-Final stages tomorrow with the same teams that topped the Kenya Cup fighting it out for honours once more. Kenya Harlequins host KCB whilst Impala travel to face defending champions Nakuru. There is no need to stress that it is winner take all, and for teams that have no silverware to show for the season, it may be their only chance. I just wonder why the

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: October 8, 2009, 2:52 pm by DataMiner

  These are coming few and far in between. Lack of something to chew on, lack of motivation, or just lack of.. So today I just ramble. Are there any similarities between the rulers of this country and the "rulers" of Kenya Rugby? Is there visionary leadership in Kenyan Rugby? Is there acceptance and tolerance by the leadership of Kenyan Rugby? Are there avenues to channel issues, suggestions

• Enterprise Cup - Quarter Finals

  Posted: October 5, 2009, 4:01 pm by DataMiner

  All fairly routine stuff actually. Nakuru fought off whatever was on their minds, while Mwamba forgot there was a game until it was well over. Impala nearly struggled but eventually overcame machine whilst KCB just had a stroll in the park, good for getting their systems working, etc.Nakuru will now face Impala in the Quarter finals this coming weekend while KCB will face Harlequins. I don't

• Enterprise Cup Results

  Posted: October 3, 2009, 11:28 pm by DataMiner

  Mwamba 13 Quins 33 Nakuru 24 Nondies 5 Machine 12 Impala 19 KCB many Strathmore few.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: October 2, 2009, 8:48 pm by DataMiner

  This weekend sees action shift to the knockout Enterprise Cup Competition. The event begins at the quarter final stage and it is explosive from the word go. Nakuru host Nondies, Mean Machine host Impala, Mwamba host Quins and Strathmore host KCB. Two games likely to go to the wire will be the Nondies/Nakuru and the Mwamba/Quins. I think Nakuru will overcome Nondies this time round by a score,

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: September 30, 2009, 2:50 pm by DataMiner

  The end of the Kenya Cup and maybe it's time for barbs and bouquets. Bouquets first. To the teams and players. Without them there would be no league and no matches. I don't know if the union recognises their efforts, but the treatment clubs get at the hands of the union is disgraceful really. That the union lords itself over the clubs and players and has no respect for what the clubs do to

• Kenya Cup - Week 14

  Posted: September 28, 2009, 7:36 pm by DataMiner

  Had the potential for plenty of action, thrills and spills, but it was not to be. The form book was maintained and there were no sudden upsets. To me, at least, the victors were well deserved. At the half way stage, and the games I'd watched, Impala were the only team that played with any form or attempt at structure, and kudos to them for the win. I think I should...Impala played with form

• Kenya Cup Result - Quins 5 Impala 13

  Posted: September 26, 2009, 11:27 pm by DataMiner

  Impala held their nerve in a dull encounter at the RFUEA ground to snatch this crucial victory and with it the Kenya Cup diadem. The four points garnered was enough as KCB also failed to score enough points against Nakuru to force a count of point difference by only scoring 14 points to 7.Focus will now turn to the Enterprise Cup from next weekend. I will try to post the other results when I

• Weekend Games

  Posted: September 26, 2009, 2:28 am by DataMiner

  Down to the wire literally. And much as you may not like it, the winner of the Kenya Cup will be determined by how Quins play. Impala sit on top of the pile and would like the status quo to remain. KCB are a close second and need Impala to lose to... Quins. Quins sit third and must win with a bonus point over Impala to have any chance. And Nakuru at fourth have no chance but a win for them

• Kenya Cup - Week 13

  Posted: September 22, 2009, 10:31 pm by DataMiner

  And it doesn't get any better, does it. KCB out-thought Quins, Impala outlasted Nakuru, Mwamba ceded to Nondies and well.. the campus sides could not decide amongst themselves. As usual I was wrong most of the time, so maybe I stop guessing and start watching games and assessing actual strengths and tactics...The results leave Impala on top with KCB in second place. Quins lie third and Nakuru

• Kenya Cup Results 190909

  Posted: September 19, 2009, 11:19 pm by DataMiner

  KCB 18 Quins 12 Impala 14 Nakuru 13 Nondies 21 Mwamba 7. Last one when I get it.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: September 18, 2009, 5:10 pm by DataMiner

  The penultimate weekend in the Kenya Cup and all crucial clashes. Before going to the top of the league I'm just wondering what is supposed to happen at the bottom. Was there any real threat of relegation or are there no such rules when clubs like Machine are threatened? It's fairly easy to drop Mombasa or Kisumu, but the vested interests in Kenyan rugby would never allow Mean Machine to be

• Kenya Cup - Week 12

  Posted: September 15, 2009, 4:33 pm by DataMiner

  And what a weekend it was. Got three out of four wrong and maybe it is just a pointer that it is not so clear cut. In past seasons, by this point of the league it has been a simple two horse race. Last year improved it to a three horse race and this year it is a four horse race. With two matches to go, any of the top four teams still have a chance to win the Kenya Cup! That the Kenya Cup has

• Kenya Cup Results 120909

  Posted: September 12, 2009, 11:26 pm by DataMiner

  Impala 8 KCB 17 Nondies 20 Machine 10 Nakuru 3 Quins 12 Mwamba 11 Strathmore 20.

• Kenya Cup - Week 11 and Weekend Games

  Posted: September 11, 2009, 3:45 pm by DataMiner

  Last weekend lived up to our full expectations and making the calls is getting harder by the day. KCB dropped crucial points once more whilst Impala strode on majestically on, hopefully towards their first title in six years. Some thoughts I had on the Kenya Cup have been passed by as I was travelling a lot this week in remote areas, with scarce internet access, but I will hopefully post it

• Weekend Games

  Posted: September 4, 2009, 1:59 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya Cup action resumes this weekend after the international break. League leaders KCB take on Nondescripts, second placed Impala host a resugent Mean Machine, Nakuru host Strathmore and Quins host Mwamba.With the league tempo rising steadily, there are no foregone conclusions this time round. All sides except perhaps Nakuru have tricky ties, though their seeming lack of staying power may be

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: September 3, 2009, 2:14 pm by DataMiner

  The "International" Season is over and what have we to show for it? The senior men's team has played four matches, won two and lost two.. a 50% record so to speak, not bad. I'd taken it out already at the IRB and CAR a few weeks ago so I won't belabour that point. That we are not playing enough matches may not really be our fault, however, we must make most use of the matches we get, be it one

• Elgon Cup Result - Uganda 18 Kenya 13

  Posted: August 29, 2009, 10:52 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya squandered an early 13 3 lead to lose this match. A 10 minute period when centre Humphrey Kayange was in the sin bin late in the second half proved crucial as Uganda scored 10 unanswered points to snatch the victory.Uganda once more proved more patient and structured in their approach and once they but off the supply of ball to Collins Injera, they were comfortable.Do have a good weekend.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: August 28, 2009, 12:56 am by DataMiner

  Kenya Cup action takes a break this weekend for the return leg of the Elgon Cup. Kenya start off with an eight point advantage over Uganda in the men's category and with a 28 point advantage in the women's. Such deficits have previously been overcome especially in the past two years when the Kenya men overcame even twenty five point deficits to retain the cup. In the past two years, bot teams

• Elgon Cup - Return Match

  Posted: August 26, 2009, 1:07 pm by DataMiner

  Well, here we go. Once more I did not watch the team train, but I do not expect much to have changed. Whereas the Uganda RU are organised enough to have concluded their league before the "international season", our preparation has been hampered by league matches in between and hence players going back to train and play in their clubs. If the team had any structure, patterns or systems, I would

• Kenya Cup - Week 10

  Posted: August 24, 2009, 2:31 pm by DataMiner

  And full of thrills and spills it was. I got nearly all of them wrong and I don't know. Is it that the "weaker" teams are finally getting their act together or the "stronger" teams falling apart? It's difficult to tell, but it has heated up the race for the title. The results see KCB regain the lead, but only separated by points difference from Impala in second place. Nakuru remain at third

• Kenya Cup Results - 220809

  Posted: August 23, 2009, 4:03 am by DataMiner

  KCB 29 Strathmore 12 Machine 15 Quins 13 Nakuru 7 Nondies 8. Last result when I get it.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: August 21, 2009, 4:05 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya Cup matches resume after the break for the international match last weekend. With the top five teams separated by only three points, it makes for interesting watching as to how the table shapes up each week. Lucky are those who play the bottom teams as they potentially have the chance to rack up the points, and in the end that may be the difference between maybe first, second and third

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: August 20, 2009, 1:31 pm by DataMiner

  A lot has been said after our performance last weekend in the first leg of the Elgon Cup. For me, the display was expected, and I actually expected quite a big win. While we have not been very consistent in improving our game or our systems or our tactics or whatever, we have remained more or less flat. Two posts by Ruggerbug come to mind here to do with where we think our rugby is and what is

• Elgon Cup Update - Kenya 30 Uganda 22

  Posted: August 15, 2009, 9:49 pm by DataMiner

  As predicted, score first and fast, but a good show all the same. Biko Adema with a brace of tries, Wilson K'Opondo amd Dan Weku with one each and one I'll credit to the pack in general was good enough. Our goal kicking was off and will definitely be the decider in Kampala. Have a good weekend. I'm at the Heineken.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: August 14, 2009, 2:30 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya Cup action takes a break as the twin header Elgon Cup takes place in Nairobi. The women's teams will curtain raise for the men's from 2.00 p.m. I have not seen any of the training sessions but I will make some comments below.The Kenya women's team seem to have a very focused and dedicated coach in Sammy Kemmey. He has religiously taken the team through the paces and I have seen him mete

• Breaking News: Rugby for the Olympic Games?

  Posted: August 13, 2009, 9:06 pm by DataMiner

  Not quite yet. But the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee have recommended that Rugby, alongside Golf, be included in the Olympic Games from 2016. The entire entire 106-member Assembly will meet to vote on whether to accept the sports or not in October of this year. You can read more here and here. Just a cautionary word from the archives.

• Elgon Cup on Despite Hiccup

  Posted: August 12, 2009, 8:26 pm by DataMiner

  Both the Kenya Rugby Football Union and the Uganda Rugby Union have decided to go on with the planned Elgon Cup fixtures despite the untimely withdrawal of East African Breweries as the sponsor for the matches. This leaves the two unions to dig deep into their pockets to foot the expenses to be incurred. The players may also have to forego some of the comfort they are accustomed to during such

• Kenya Cup - Week 9

  Posted: August 10, 2009, 3:18 pm by DataMiner

  And topsy turvy it went, as expected. As usual missed some and got some. Mwamba rose to the occasion and overcame KCB at home. The surprise package was Machine pulling off a draw in Nakuru. Just reading the signs, I think Nakuru grossly underrated their opponents and paid the price. Telling in this is do they have the mien of champions? They have the players, they have the skill, but twice

• Kenya Cup Results 08/08/09

  Posted: August 8, 2009, 11:00 pm by DataMiner

  Impala 19 Nondies 13 KCB 22 Mwamba 28 Quins 51 Strathmore 7 Nakuru 10 Machine 10.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: August 7, 2009, 4:19 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya Cup week 9 and not without controversy it seems. Once more international rugby takes the fore and the rest is sidelined. Interesting to note that despite many ground/field management courses availed and attended, KRFU seem to think the best way to maintain a ground in perfect playing condition is to close it off from use. Methinks that's how to maintain a paddock for animal pasture.. but

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: August 6, 2009, 1:10 pm by DataMiner

  I don't know how many of these I have done, and I felt maybe some messages were being passed on to the concerned parties. I felt that I had an audience and that I was being heard. We felt privileged that the powers that be sneaked into this blog, maybe to spy, maybe to defend themselves, maybe to know what was being said and MAYBE even to learn or understand at thing or two about good

• Kenya Cup - Week 8

  Posted: August 3, 2009, 7:21 pm by DataMiner

  The start of the second round and as usual it gets better and better. I missed the big one this time, Nakuru coming through by a point, though both sides got bonus points, Mwamba two of them. Other bonus point victories for Impala, Quins and KCB as well. Most disappointing were Nondies and Strathomre, barely putting up fight. The two tries Nondies scored were more as a result of Quins

• Kenya Cup Results 01/08/09

  Posted: August 1, 2009, 1:37 am by DataMiner

  Impala 39 Strathmore 3 KCB 34 Machine 15 Quins 31 Nondies 13 Mwamba 24 Nakuru 25.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: July 31, 2009, 3:29 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya Cup Rugby action continues this weekend. A good preview here. The second round has begun and perhaps the not so interesting games are on. However, don't imagine there will be no upsets. Most teams have found their footing and their rhythm. All players, bar injured, are available. And it is the stretch where any slip up is costly.Quins host Nondies at the KRFUEA grounds. Impala play

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: July 29, 2009, 2:32 pm by DataMiner

  Sorry for the missing Ramble last week. Sometimes my muse deserts me and I feel like a broken record most of the time. Many feelings I aired on this blog last year are still valid and it pains me that we are all trying to hide under the success of the Sevens team. That success is relative and not permanent has not entered our feeble collective psyche and we think we can ride on it forever.

• Kenya Cup - Week 7

  Posted: July 27, 2009, 3:00 pm by DataMiner

  At the halfway point, things are just hotting up. A loss by KCB to Nakuru has seen them lose their perch at the top of the league standings for the first time this year. The defending champions failed to defend effectively against Impala and conceded all points again. Nondies also failed to sparkle and allowed Strathmore to win their first game of the season. Mwamba continued with their

• Kenya Cup Results

  Posted: July 25, 2009, 1:17 am by DataMiner

  Impala 25 Quins 16 KCB 13 Nakuru 30 Mwamba 30 Machine 22 Nondies 24 Strathmore 28

• Weekend Games

  Posted: July 24, 2009, 2:58 pm by DataMiner

  The Kenya Cup reaches the half way stage this weekend, and for the top five sides, it is time to take stock of where they lie and their chances of wining the league. A good write up here. The top of the table clash between KCB and Nakuru will be the juiciest. The Impala vs. Quins match also has a lot of history and a battle of supremacy for the perennial rivals. That these two teams share a

• Kenya Cup - Week 6

  Posted: July 20, 2009, 2:57 pm by DataMiner

  Got some right and some wrong. And that 's the way it goes. Mwamba managed a bonus point victory over Nondies and KCB over Quins as well. The battle of the universities went to Machine and now the only team without a victory remains Strathmore. Nakuru also bounced back and beat Impala.Before I see the confirmations on scores and bonus points, it looks like KCB remain on top of the table,

• Kenya Cup Results 180709

  Posted: July 19, 2009, 2:43 pm by DataMiner

  Mwamba 28 Nondies 17 KCB 27 Quins 17 Machine 30 Strathmore 28 Nakuru 28 Impala 17.

• Kenya Cup Result - Mwamba 28 Nondies 17

  Posted: July 18, 2009, 4:25 pm by DataMiner

  Mwamba came out tops in this middle of the table clash and crawled slowly up the ladder. Deja vu perhaps.. but a certain team pulled this same stunt last year. Keep a close watch on this team.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: July 17, 2009, 1:13 pm by DataMiner

  Match day 6 of the Kenya Cup campaign and it is fast shaping up. You can find a good preview here. The battle for the cup is going to be long and vicious. The season has been long and for sure fatigue will set in at some point. The teams with good depth will have it easier as they will have players who have not really exerted themselves much this year, yet eager to prove that they are better

• Kenya Cup - Week 5

  Posted: July 13, 2009, 5:01 pm by DataMiner

  The Kenya Cup Rugby League is just getting interesting. I was wrong on the main match of the day, expecting KCB to overcome Impala with ease and I'll eat my words. I also expected the Quins/Nakuru match to be a battle but it was not to be. The other two matches were closer and this weekend everyone managed at least a point. Nondies won their first match and Strathmore keep getting better and

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: July 11, 2009, 4:06 pm by DataMiner

  Who is looking out for us?It seems that all public office is political. Whether actual political or government office, or even sporting bodies. All over institutions worldwide are run by those who play politics well, and not really by those who mean well for everyone else. Rugby is no different and let no one kid you that someone is looking out for your interest. It is simply a matter of

• Kenya Team to Face Morocco

  Posted: July 11, 2009, 2:57 pm by DataMiner

  Coach Michael "Tank" Otieno has named a largely unchanged side to face Morocco this afternoon in the final of the Northern Zone CAR Competition. The team shall be as below.15 Vincent Mose14 Leon Adongo13 Kelvin Omiyo12 Innocent Simiyu (captain)11 Naftaly Bondo10 Nato Simiyu9 Gibson Weru8 Gray Cullen7 Paul Oimbo6 Benedict Nyambu5 Mike Aung4 Wilson Kopondo3 Daniel Kiptoo2 Vincent Ong'era1 Joel

• Weekend Games

  Posted: July 10, 2009, 2:20 pm by DataMiner

  The Kenya Cup enters its fifth week with the big guns now having to face each other, having exhausted their easy start to the season. Kenya Harlequins host Nakuru, KCB host Impala, Machine host Nondies and Mwamba host Strathmore. Once more the Kenya team is away and it will affect performances. I expect the least affected will be Quins and KCB. Quins seem to have great depth and had no

• CAR Cup Update - Kenya 22 Senegal 7

  Posted: July 9, 2009, 12:56 pm by DataMiner

  Gray Cullen scored a brace of tries and captain Innocent Simiyu added one more for this win. Vincent Mose converted two and added a penalty of his own to make up the score. Kenya led 8 nil at half time courtesy on one of Cullen's tries and a Mose penalty.UPDATE: In the other match, Morocco overcame a stiff challenge from a much improved Cameroun side to win 12 nil. Kenya meet Morocco (in the

• CAR Cup Update - Kenya 22 Senegal 7

  Posted: July 9, 2009, 12:56 pm by DataMiner

  Gray Cullen scored a brace of tries and captain Innocent Simiyu added one more for this win. Vincent Mose converted two and added a penalty of his own to make up the score. Kenya led 8 nil at half time courtesy on one of Cullen's tries and a Mose penalty.

• CAR Cup Results - Kenya 22 Senegal 7

  Posted: July 8, 2009, 12:34 am by DataMiner

  Two tries by Gray Cullen and one by Innocent Simiyu were enough for the win. Vincent Mose topped up the points with two conversions and a penalty. Kenya led 8 nil at the break.

• Kenya Cup Week 4

  Posted: July 7, 2009, 8:41 pm by DataMiner

  An eventful weekend. The middle order rose to the occasion and Mwamba scraped a win through. Despite Impala fielding all its players due to leave for Casablanca on Sunday (I don't know whether this is allowed), they failed to click and squandered a myriad of chances against a Mwamba outfit that had exhausted all its energy, efforts and ideas by the 50th minute of the game. The following day

• Kenya Cup Results

  Posted: July 4, 2009, 1:05 am by DataMiner

  KCB 57 Nondies 12 Quins 33 Machine 12 Nakuru 33 Strathmore 22.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: July 3, 2009, 2:03 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya Cup Week 4 and the action starts today, Friday 03 July. Impala host H2O Mwamba under floodlights from 7.30 p.m. Tomorrow sees Nondies host KCB, Quins host Machine, whilst Strathmore will host Nakuru at Impala. I can already see the clubs are taking facility sharing a bit more seriously than others. I have my reservations as to the quality of lighting at the Impala pitch, but then again

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: July 2, 2009, 7:16 pm by DataMiner

  Now that the dust has settled and we're in our normal stride, I think it is time to sit back and take stock of what we are, where we are, and where we want to be. Two posts by Ruggerbug come to mind here. You can review them here and here. We have had a largely successful season so far, by our standards. We have successfully hosted the Junior World Rugby Trophy and the Safari Sevens. That is

• Breaking News: Kenya 15's Team to Morocco Named

  Posted: July 2, 2009, 3:06 pm by DataMiner

  This is directly from the KRFU Press Release.The following is the Kenya 15s Team that will represent the country at this year’s Confederation of Africa Rugby Trophy tournament to be held in Casablanca, Morocco from Wednesday 8th July – Saturday 11th July 2009.The team is due to depart on Sunday 5th July 2009 at 1500hrs and return on Monday 13th July 2009.1. Vincent Ongera - Kenya Harlequin FC

• Kenya Cup - Week 3 and League Standings

  Posted: June 29, 2009, 7:26 pm by DataMiner

  As I expected Quins came unstuck against Mwamba. I hear there was a mighty duel between Collins Injera and Sidney Ashioya, the victor being Injera.. though that is the first of many battles to come this year for sure. KCB waltzed along over Strathmore to retain their standing at the top of the league. Impala also had a stroll though they seemed to have leaked quite a few points. Maybe people

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Fish cakes

Alas a fish cake.

Yet more fish cakes

Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.

The end of the fish cakes