Items by DataMiner

Rugby in Kenya

• NSC Week 1

  Posted: October 13, 2008, 2:26 pm by DataMiner

  The weekend was quite one to behold. Despite the rust showing in most of the players, the matches were pretty exciting. Mwamba emerging tops was no surprise to many but the competition was clear to see. It was just surprising that Impala who should have had the longest time training for this event failed to sparkle. Despite Mwamba being head and shoulders above the rest, what was very clear

• Mwamba win 7's

  Posted: October 11, 2008, 10:15 pm by DataMiner

  Mwamba have blown away Impala to win the first round of the circuit. More to follow.

• Prinsloo Sevens Day 1

  Posted: October 11, 2008, 2:34 pm by DataMiner

  Qualifiers for the main cup quarter finals are Quins, KCB, Impala, Machine, Mwamba, Strathmore and Nakuru. I've missed one qualifier and I will confirm it shortly. Highly rated Uganda failed to make the cut from the pool of death. Pairings are as names except for the last team I'm missing. Semi Final pairings will be up after the Quarter finals.

• Nakuru Prinsloo Sevens

  Posted: October 9, 2008, 7:25 pm by DataMiner

  POOL A POOL B POOL C POOL D POOL E POOL F MWAMBA IMPALA NAKURU KCB BLAKBLAD STRATHMORE USIU DAYSTAR JKUAT MACHINE NONDIES QUINS MASINDE MUL NAZARENE KABARAK KCA EGERTON UN UGANDA KIMATHI UNI R.BUFFALOES ELD EXILES BUNGOMA R CATHOLIC U MT KENYA UN The draw is as above. Seeding for the pools is based

• Nakuru Prinsloo Sevens

  Posted: October 9, 2008, 6:54 pm by DataMiner

  POOL A POOL B POOL C POOL D POOL E POOL F MWAMBA IMPALA NAKURU KCB BLAKBLAD STRATHMORE USIU DAYSTAR JKUAT MACHINE NONDIES QUINS MASINDE MUL NAZARENE KABARAK KCA EGERTON UN UGANDA KIMATHI UNI R.BUFFALOES ELD EXILES BUNGOMA R CATHOLIC U MT KENYA UN The draw is as above. Seeding for the pools is based on final standings during last year's Sevens Circuit. The non participating teams are drawn

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: October 8, 2008, 12:56 pm by DataMiner

  The past three weeks has seen a flurry of activity on the Rugby front. Sponsors seem to be falling out of the skies to support rugby. Zain started the flood, followed by Posta and now Western Union. Kenyan Rugby does seem to be attracting sponsors, finally. I dont know if it is the appointment of a General Manager that has put the house in order, or the directors are finally pulling the

• Quins Sweep Grandslam

  Posted: October 6, 2008, 1:04 pm by DataMiner

  Both Harlequin sides put up match winning performances to win both the second and first division Grandslam trophies. There was nothing impressive or outrightly brilliant in their performances, but they did just what is required to win the matches and with it a combined purse of Ksh. 300,000.00. The focus will now shift to the Sevens Circuit that begins with the Prinsloo Sevens in Nakuru this

• Quins win Grandslam

  Posted: October 5, 2008, 5:33 am by DataMiner

  Quins defied all odds and won both trophies on offer. Well done to them and three hundred thousand richer.

• The Grandslam

  Posted: October 3, 2008, 4:10 pm by DataMiner

  The game is tomorrow and I'd say a whole lot of people are looking forward to it. Despite my previous post that the game means nothing, talking to a few players here and there and from media reports, both teams want the trophy badly. Add to that the winner-take-all situation where only the winner will pocked a cool Ksh. 200,000.00 and that is ample motivation. The billing of the game to see

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: October 1, 2008, 2:38 pm by DataMiner

  The fifteen aside season is basically over and all the laurels have been won. The so called Grandslam/Supremacy Cup is a sham to me as it means nothing. Who really cares which team, the Kenya Cup Champion and the Enterprise Cup Champion wins? What does that game mean? That one team is the best in Kenya this season? That one team has not had any game for four weeks while the other has had

• Enterprise Cup Week 4

  Posted: September 29, 2008, 2:11 pm by DataMiner

  Well, it's finally over and what a cup it was. Exciting through out with no one knowing who the winner would be after the first weekend when the Kenya Cup Champions were knocked out. That it was a high scoring final would also have kept the fans on the edge of their seats (stones?) and upto the half time mark, no clear winner was in sight. In the end the game was made (or is it unmade) by the

• Nakuru it is!

  Posted: September 27, 2008, 11:48 pm by DataMiner

  Nakuru put on a good display of attacking and defensive rugby to beat Mwamba 34 24. Congratulations to them.

• Enterprise Cup Final

  Posted: September 26, 2008, 12:24 pm by DataMiner

  It's on tomorrow and for sure it is going to be an explosive final. Both sides are equally hungry for the silverware and having dumped the "top three" out of the competition, it is anyone's for the taking. The form book is out of the window and Kenya Cup placings mean nothing here. All that matters is how both teams play tomorrow. First a digression. Nakuru have shown, over the past two

• Enterprise Cup Week 3

  Posted: September 23, 2008, 6:09 pm by DataMiner

  All we await is the last game of the fifteen a side season and quite a season it has been. I will give my review of the season in my weekly ramble next week. For now, week 3 of the Enterprise Cup. First a gripe. I thought the Enterprise Cup was an invitiational tournament and only invited teams take part. I also thought that before any draw is done, the invited teams confirm participation

• It's Nakuru vs Mwamba in Enterprise Final

  Posted: September 20, 2008, 11:46 pm by DataMiner

  Mwamba walked all over Nondies and Nakuru put up a sterling performance to overcome KCB to set up this epic final. It should be the first for Nakuru whereas Mwamba were champions in 2005. Most rugby neutrals are very happy with this match up as none of the big 3 are involved. A sign of the evening out of the competition or a stroke of luck, let's wait and see.

• Enterprise Cup Week 2

  Posted: September 15, 2008, 1:17 pm by DataMiner

  More upsets as the games go by. The semi final pairings are now decided. Nondies beat Machine 41-20, Nakuru beat Impala 24-15, Mwamba got a walkover against G4S Pirates of Uganda and KCB beat Mombasa 39-0. Nondies will meet Mwamba and KCB meet Nakuru this coming Saturday.

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: September 10, 2008, 9:54 pm by DataMiner

  I actually thought some sanity was coming into Kenyan rugby. Well, the word vested interests says it all. First the good points. Zain stepped in to sponsor this years Enterprise Cup. The details to the connection is a story for another day. The good point is that for once some money is paid directly to the participating clubs (I don't know if Mwamba Cup is an associated tournament) and there

• Back

  Posted: September 8, 2008, 10:33 pm by DataMiner

  Hi all, sorry for the absence. A lot of turbulence has taken place in my operations in the past two weeks and I have not been able to post regularly. In the meantime, Quins took the Kenya Cup league whereas they were once in second last position. Impala were runners' up and KCB third. This past weekend saw the first round of the Enterprise Cup. The luck of the draw saw Quins and Impala clash

• Kenya Cup Week 18

  Posted: September 2, 2008, 11:27 am by DataMiner

  I have been travelling and was having problems updating the blog, my sincere apologies. You can find a review of the weekend games here. Also find another review of the main match here. Kenya Cup is now over and focus turns to the Zain Enterprise Cup. My weekly ramble will be up in due course.

• Kenya Cup Result

  Posted: August 30, 2008, 11:54 pm by DataMiner

  Sorry guys only one result for now. Quins 29 KCB 17 to snatch the cup. Other results when I get them.

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: August 27, 2008, 1:06 pm by DataMiner

  Finally KRFU have come to their senses and are thinking of re-organising the season to fit in with the World Wide Structured Season. Any sane person would have realised that this is imperative for the effective functioning of the National fifteen a side rugby team, but with lack of interest in this "game", nothing has been done towards it over the years. Attempting to pit clubs against the

• Kenya Cup League Table as of 23/08/08

  Posted: August 25, 2008, 9:21 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya Cup League Table as of 23/08/08, as released by the Kenya Rugby Football Union. TEAM P W D L FOR AG DIFF BN PTS Impala 16 13 0 3 431 243 188 9 61 KCB 15 12 1 2 504 197 307 10 60 Quins 15 11 1 3 517 240 277 12 58 Nakuru 15 10 0 5 297 200 97 6 46

• Kenya Cup Week 17

  Posted: August 25, 2008, 4:07 pm by DataMiner

  And what a weekend. Impala dropped the ball with the tryline in sight and their Kenya Cup campaign came a cropper. Having watched a few Impala games and seen the players they were using, it is a huge wonder they actually got that far. A team struggling to find the next generation to carry it through was able to put up huge match winning performances that saw them lead the league from start to

• Kenya Cup Results

  Posted: August 23, 2008, 10:40 pm by DataMiner

  Impala 9 KCB 43 Quins 48 Nondies 23 Machine 8 Strathmore 28 Nakuru 14 Mombasa 0

• Weekend Games

  Posted: August 22, 2008, 3:21 pm by DataMiner

  Do or die time this weekend. Impala are away to KCB in a must win tie for both teams. A win for Impala will see them reclaim the Kenya Cup. A win for KCB will see them keep alive their hopes for a fourth successive title as they will have one more game against Quins. Quins are at home to Nondies while Strathmore play Mean Machine at home. Mombasa will host Nakuru. Results after the games as

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: August 20, 2008, 4:03 pm by DataMiner

  Today, a change of tone. We're all proud to be Kenyan and after the few medals won at the Olympics, our sense of nationalism and pride has been restored. Our victory over Uganda over the weekend has also silenced the critics, at least for a while. And what is obvious is that we are not who we think we are. Take out four or five people from that team and we are struggling. My post today is a

• Enterprise Cup Draw Released

  Posted: August 19, 2008, 4:02 pm by DataMiner

  The Kenya Rugby Football Union have released the draw for this year's Enterprise Cup. Interesting to note that there will be two Ugandan and one Tanzanian side taking part in this year's event. KCB are the defending champions. The draw is as below. Draw September 6: Nondescripts v UTL Kobs (ASK Jamhuri Show ground), G4S Pirates v Strathmore University (Kampala), Tanzania Twigas v Mombasa

• Kenya Retain Elgon Cup

  Posted: August 18, 2008, 1:48 pm by DataMiner

  Well, we had this one called all wrong. Deep at the back of my mind, I believed truly all the stuff I've been spewing on this blog and was certain in some ways Uganda was better than us in fifteen man rugby. The players did not believe it and neither did the fans. Our boys learnt from their previous encounters with Uganda and took them at their strong point, the forwards. Uganda were fooled

• Kenya Retain Elgon Cup

  Posted: August 18, 2008, 1:48 pm by DataMiner

  Well, we had this one called all wrong. Deep at the back of my mind, I believed truly all the stuff I've been spewing on this blog and was certain in some ways Uganda was better than us in fifteen man rugby. The players did not believe it and neither did the fans. Our boys learnt from their previous encounters with Uganda and took them at their strong point, the forwards. Uganda were fooled

• Kenya vs Uganda 16-08-08

  Posted: August 16, 2008, 9:45 pm by DataMiner

  Final Score Kenya 39 Uganda 20. Kenya retain the cup with a 2-point margin.

• Kenya vs Uganda 16-08-08

  Posted: August 16, 2008, 8:47 pm by DataMiner

  Half time scores Kenya 16 Uganda 8.

• Kenya Team for Elgon Cup

  Posted: August 14, 2008, 7:32 pm by DataMiner

  The technical team have released the below squad to face Uganda in the return leg of the Elgon Cup on Saturday 16th August. 1. Daniel Kiptoo - Kenya Harlequin FC 2. Vincent Ongera - Kenya Harlequin FC 3. Joel Ng’anga - Kenya Harlequin FC 4. Anthony Ogot - Kenya

• Kenya Under 19 Team

  Posted: August 14, 2008, 4:41 pm by DataMiner

  The Squad is as below. Eric Kioko, Ryan Musumba, Kevin Gacheru, Mugambi Kithamba, Jeff Ojwach, George Mutuku, Ken Andola, Oscar Otindo, Michael Wanjala, Ken Gitobu (Strathmore University), Anthony Ngera, Dennis Karani, Owen Ocholla, Joel Omer, Anthony Oyugi, Mathew Musalia, Jacob Kamau (Impala), Francis Muhindi, David Wachira, Lyle Asiligwa, Anthony Nyandigisi, David Ambunya (St. Mary’s),

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: August 13, 2008, 3:38 pm by DataMiner

  There has been a lot going on since Kenya's elimination from the World Cup Qualifiers a week ago. Mail is flying round back and forth with the usual accusing fingers pointing at the union and a few union officials offering spirited defense. On one note I stand to be corrected. I have claimed several times that the union has no strategic plan, or mission, vision and values. I have come to be

• Kenya Cup League Table as of 09/08/08

  Posted: August 13, 2008, 1:47 pm by DataMiner

  As released by the Kenya Rugby Football Union TEAM P W D L FOR AG DIFF Bn PTS Impala 15 13 0 2 422 200 222 9 61 KCB 14 11 1 2 461 188 273 9 55 Quins 14 10 1 3 469 217 252 11 53 Nakuru 14 9 0 4 266 181 85 6 42 Mwamba 15 6 1 8 287 355 -68

• Weekend Games

  Posted: August 11, 2008, 6:29 pm by DataMiner

  As the crunch approaches, people are really digging in. Impala frustrated Mwamba and maintained their lead at the top of the table, KCB also ended Nondies' recent winning streak and Quins barely survived at the hands of my favorite people, the middle order. The top three thus remained unchanged. I'm just waiting for the official results to see if there is any change in points difference but I

• Kenya Cup Results

  Posted: August 10, 2008, 4:40 am by DataMiner

  Nondies 16 KCB 36 Impala 33 Mwamba 22 Quins 45 Machine 24 Strathmore 57 Mombasa 7.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: August 8, 2008, 12:40 pm by DataMiner

  Well, as predicted ages ago, it has come and gone and we're now back to mediocrity. Kenya Cup continues. Nondies play host to KCB, Impala host Mwamba, Quins host Mean Machine and Strathmore host Mombasa. All the games promise to be interesting. Nondies are on some sort of revival and will be putting this to the test, though I expect them to run out of steam soon. All eyes will be on the

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: August 6, 2008, 12:59 pm by DataMiner

  After the debacle of our bungled attempt at World Cup qualification, it can only be the subject of my ramble this week. It is three years to the event and we are already relegated to the position of spectators, without a chance in hell to even make it to the later qualifying rounds. All manner of excuses can be given, but I will spare the technical team and the players on this one. I have

• Weekend Games

  Posted: August 4, 2008, 1:35 pm by DataMiner

  First, I vent. This is just pursuant to my past several posts summarised here. Three years to the next Rugby World Cup, we are out, and have no hope of qualifying and no idea where our rugby lies. I do not know who to unleash on, so let me pick on where the buck stops. On second thoughts, that will be the topic for my ramble this week. So I'll just summarise my thoughts on the game. My

• Kenya vs. Tunisia

  Posted: August 2, 2008, 1:49 am by DataMiner

  Final score Kenya 15 Tunisia 44.

• Kenya Cup Results

  Posted: August 2, 2008, 11:18 pm by DataMiner

  Impala 14 Nakuru 5 Quins 79 Mombasa 0 KCB 33 Mwamba 15 Nondies 23 Machine 18.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: August 1, 2008, 1:56 pm by DataMiner

  The big game is of course Kenya XV's match away to Tunisia for the CAR Cup/RWC Qualifying match. Kenya needs to win this match to top their group consisting of themselves, Cameroun and Tunisia to qualify for the Semi-finals of this competition. The teams are grouped in four groups and only the top team qualifies for the semi finals. The winner will of course be declared African Champion and

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: July 31, 2008, 1:55 pm by DataMiner

  I really don't have much to ramble about today. Most of what I said earlier has come to pass as predicted. I really wonder when the KRFU will wake up to the realities of the modern game. Firstly the National Team. The team has departed for Tunis without four front row players who can hold their own anywhere in Africa. Daniel Kiptoo, Vincent Ongera, Frank Ndong and Joel Nganga are all

• Kenya Cup League Table as of 26/07/08

  Posted: July 30, 2008, 6:33 pm by DataMiner

  As released by the Kenya Rugby Football Union TEAM P W D L FOR AG DIFF B PTS Impala 13 11 0 2 375 173 202 8 52 KCB 12 9 1 2 392 157 235 7 45 Quins 12 8 1 3 345 193 152 9 43 Nakuru 12 9 0 3 261 167 94 6 42 Mwamba 13 6 1 6 250 289 -39 4

• Kenya Team to Tunisia

  Posted: July 29, 2008, 12:30 pm by DataMiner

  The Coaching team have named the travelling team to Tunisia for the second game of the CAR Cup/RWC Qualifying match. The squad is as below. Derrick Wamalwa (KCB), Frankline Amiani (KCB), Lawrence Buyachi (Nakuru), Kennedy Gikaru (Kenya Harlequin FC), George Odipo (Kenya Harlequin FC), Anthony Ogot (KCB), Paul Okech (Mwamba), Paul Murunga (KCB), Paul Oimbo (Impala), Wilson Kopondo (Mean

• Kenya Cup Week 14

  Posted: July 28, 2008, 1:36 pm by DataMiner

  It doesn't get any better does it? As predicted, the middle order is playing the role I expected. Nakuru stumbled against Mwamba while Impala and KCB kept the march going. My calculations without seeing the official scores show Impala remain on top with a seven point margin and KCB have leapfrogged to second. Quins are at third and Nakuru now at fourth. With Impala not putting in as much as

• Kenya Cup Results

  Posted: July 26, 2008, 12:52 am by DataMiner

  Impala 18 Strathmore 0 KCB 20 Machine 3 Nakuru 15 Mwamba 20 Nondies 43 Mombasa 10.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: July 25, 2008, 1:35 pm by DataMiner

  The battle for the Kenya Cup Rugby Title continues this weekend. In what is turning out to be one of the most monumental battles ever, the race is wide open with only five weekends to go. Any slip up by any of the top four sides is one finger off the trophy, metaphorically speaking. League leaders Impala take on Strathomore at home. KCB and Nakuru are away to Mean Machine and Mwamba

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: July 23, 2008, 2:31 pm by DataMiner

  Today, a departure from the norm. A storm seems to have been raised about the level of officiating during the Impala vs. Harlequins match over the weekend. To me it is a bit belated since I have variously posted on the level of officiating in this country but then it did not seem to matter. Let me ponder about our referees. Refereeing is a very difficult task. It is one of those jobs that

• Kenya Cup League Table as of 19/07/08

  Posted: July 21, 2008, 8:08 pm by DataMiner

  Official Kenya Cup Standings as of 19/07/08 as released by KRFU. TEAM P W D L FOR AG DIFF B PTS Impala 12 10 0 2 357 173 184 8 48 Quins 12 8 1 3 345 193 152 9 43 KCB 11 8 1 2 372 154 218 7 41 Nakuru 11 9 0 2 246 147 99 5 41 Mwamba 12 5 1 6 230

• Kenya Cup League Table as of 19/07/08

  Posted: July 21, 2008, 6:56 pm by DataMiner

  Official Kenya Cup Standings from KRFU TEAM P W D L FOR AG DIFF B PTS Impala 12 10 0 2 357 173 184 8 48 Quins 12 8 1 3 345 193 152 9 43 KCB 11 8 1 2 372 154 218 7 41 Nakuru 11 9 0 2 246 147 99 5 41 Mwamba 12 5 1 6 230 274 -44 4 28

• Kenya Cup Week 13

  Posted: July 21, 2008, 3:13 pm by DataMiner

  And quite an interesting week it was. League leaders Impala dropped three critical points that should see their lead dwindle to only three points. KCB also lost the tempo and succumbed to Nakuru. My basic calculations without seeing the official standings therefore have Impala in first place, Nakuru three points adrift, Quins sneak into third place two points adrift of Nakuru and KCB take

• Kenya Cup Results

  Posted: July 19, 2008, 1:32 am by DataMiner

  Quins 19 Impala 18 Nakuru 35 KCB 25 Mwamba 24 Strathmore 21 Machine 58 Mombasa 10.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: July 18, 2008, 3:33 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya Cup continues this week with the excitement continuing to build. League leaders Impala are away to Harlequins, KCB at home to Nakuru, Mean Machine host Mombasa and Mwamba host Strathmore. The first two games are definitely woth the money as they are the top four clubs at the moment. That someone must drop points implies positions changing at the top of the league table. Mean Machine and

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: July 17, 2008, 2:33 pm by DataMiner

  Today I'm just going to ramble about and hope I make a point somewhere along the way. Just a quick review of where I think we are, going through my rambles from yore. Sponsorship in sport. I had looked at that briefly in two articles here and here. Have I changed my mind? NO. Figures reaching me have it that Tusker, the title sponsor for the Safari Sevens sold 6,000 cases of beer during the

• Kenya Cup Week 12

  Posted: July 15, 2008, 1:54 pm by DataMiner

  As the Kenya team were preparing to face Cameroon, the league went on as usual. No surprises really bar the Nakuru Strathmore game not taking off for untold reasons. That the rest of the top teams won with bonus points means there is no re-alignment at the top except for Quins hopping to third position since Nakuru did not play. Interesting times ahead, any slip up and you lose your position.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: July 14, 2008, 2:21 pm by DataMiner

  The big game turned out not to be so big after all. Cameroon did not come to the party at all and we walked all over them. Their disjointed travel plans and attempts to ensure they were the underdogs did not deter out boys to the task at hand. From their warm-up it was pretty clear they were not going to be a challenge. Their routine vaguely resembled a high school warm up for a Damu Pevu

• [nt]

  Posted: July 14, 2008, 2:19 pm by DataMiner

• Kenya vs. Cameroon

  Posted: July 13, 2008, 10:50 pm by DataMiner

  Final scores Kenya 76 Cameroon 8.

• Kenya vs. Cameroon

  Posted: July 13, 2008, 7:52 pm by DataMiner

  Half time scores Kenya 41 Cameroon 3. Injera is on fire and could have had 4 tries by now.

• Kenya Cup Results

  Posted: July 12, 2008, 12:31 am by DataMiner

  KCB 46 Mombasa 3 Quins 36 Mwamba 15 Impala 42 Nondies 21

• Match Put Off

  Posted: July 12, 2008, 7:06 pm by DataMiner

  Due to the late arrival in the country of the Cameroon National Rugby Team, the match has been put off to 4.00 p.m. tomorrow. The team had a visa hitch that delayed their arrival in Nairobi only till this morning. Reports have it that the squad is also the bare fifteen that landed and I'm still awaiting information as to when they expect the rest of the team to arrive. I will post the results

• Weekend Matches

  Posted: July 11, 2008, 5:54 pm by DataMiner

  Other than the CAR Cup/RWC Qualifier pitting Kenya against Cameroon, the Kenya Cup continues. On the undercard for the big game will be Mwamba vs. Quins. Mombasa are at home to KCB and so are Nakuru to Strathmore. Nondies host Impala at Jamhuri Park. The Mwamba/Quins game should be the pick of the day. It will however be diluted by the absence of international players on both sides. Both

• Kenya Team to Face Cameroon

  Posted: July 10, 2008, 2:45 pm by DataMiner

  The team will be as follows. Daniel Kiptoo, Vincent Ongera, Derrick Wamalwa, Paul Oketch, George Odipo, Allan Onyango, Wilson K'Opondo, George Mbaye, Peter Mutai, Lavin Asego, Horace Otieno, Biko Adema, Humphrey Kayange, Collins Injera and Innocent Simiyu. On the bench shall be Joel Nganga, Frank Ndong, Paul Murunga, Paul Oimbo, David Gitau, Cyprian Shimenga and Vincent Mose. It looks like a

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: July 9, 2008, 2:42 pm by DataMiner

  The KRFU on Friday released, for the umpteenth time, "Final Fixtures" for the season. As much as people think rugby is the most organised sport, with set fixtures, dates, etc., that is just a perception. How fixtures can change so much in one season leaves a lot to be thought about. I'd imagine dates don't shift around on a calendar and the fact that rugby is only played on Saturdays, getting

• Kenya Cup Week 11

  Posted: July 8, 2008, 6:18 pm by DataMiner

  Impala maintained their lead at the top of the table with a difficult game against Machine. They however moved slightly away from the chasing pack with Nakuru's loss to Quins. They are now seven points clear at the top from Nakuru and KCB who are now joint second. Quins retain their fourth position. As if on cue from my posts and several comments from guests, the National XV's coach has

• Kenya Cup Results

  Posted: July 5, 2008, 12:19 am by DataMiner

  KCB 36 Strathmore 7, Quins 19 Nakuru 16, Machine 0 Impala 10, Mwamba 17 Nondies 17.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: July 4, 2008, 2:02 pm by DataMiner

  The battle for the Kenya Cup Rugby title continues in earnest in week 11. League leaders Impala are away to Mean Machine, second placed KCB host Strathmore, third place Nakuru are away to Quins and Mwamba at home to Nondies. The first two matches I'd give the ranked teams. The third match should be a battle for third position. Quins have slowly risen up the table and a win may see them jump

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: July 2, 2008, 2:15 pm by DataMiner

  When I started my Weekly Ramble, I had decided that I would not repeat myself in these at the risk of becoming boring. However, the events of last weekend leave me wondering what way forward, really? In this past post, I had wondered what we are trying to achieve in our training. I thought I was actually on the coaches' side on this one. However, after reading this article in yesterday's

• Weekend Results

  Posted: July 1, 2008, 6:04 pm by DataMiner

  No surprises really over the weekend. Quins won big against Strathmore 64-7. Impala 32 nil against Mombasa. Mwamba 23 to 5 against Machine and Nakuru 21, Nondies 12. I'm yet to see the official standings, but Impala should retain their lead, KCB second and Nakuru third. The battle for fourth is opening up but Quins retain the position, Mwamba should leapfrog over Machine and Strathmore have

• Weekend Games

  Posted: June 27, 2008, 1:47 pm by DataMiner

  After the break for the Safari Sevens, the league resumes in full vigour. The race for the title is now on in earnest. I don't know the official stand, but there should be a relegation race as well, so now everyone is fighting for their lives. Strathmore will host Kenya Harlequins, Mombasa host Impala, Nakuru host Nondies and Mean Machine are at home to Mwamba. KCB have a rest day. Most

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: June 26, 2008, 1:18 pm by DataMiner

  Well, it's come and gone and what remains to be seen is the after effects of the party of the year. I have dwelt on this in the past and will leave the powers that be to prove me wrong, but I sincerely doubt that. Even just the pitch that was in fantastic condition will be left to deteriorate until sometime in April next year when someone will remember that the Safari Sevens is around the

• Guest Comments on Safari Sevens

  Posted: June 25, 2008, 8:07 pm by DataMiner

  Today I will not do my own comments on the weekend games. Below is a comment from a "Big Fan" and I think in a nutshell he has covered it. Without realising it he has covered most of my past posts and provided a good summary. Thanks for the post and enjoy the reading. My ramble tomorrow. ------------------------------------------------------ The standards of refereeing throughout the

• Kenya win Safari Sevens

  Posted: June 22, 2008, 11:32 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya put up a sterling performance to beat the Emerging Boks 31 12. The local lads who barely put a foot wrong the whole weekend had it rough in the Semi Final against Zimbabwe before letting loose in the last game. Kudos to the lads for that win.Other winners in the event were Western Province in the schools category, Harlequins in the veterans, Zambia the shield, Japan the bowl and Bristol

• Upsets Continue on Second Day

  Posted: June 22, 2008, 4:46 pm by DataMiner

  The upsets that set the tone of the tournament seem to have continued at the 2008 Safari Sevens. Two teams that caused huge upsets on day one have themselves been tossed out of the tournament unceremoniously. Bristol University upset Fiji yesterday only to bow out to France themselves at the quarter final stage of the main tournament. Samurai SA who had themselves beaten the Emerging Boks have

• Kenya in Historic Win Over Fiji

  Posted: June 22, 2008, 4:23 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya has played a controlled game and dumped Fiji out of the Safari Sevens. The scores were 10-5. This is the first time Kenya have ever beaten Fiji and enhances our status as a star team. We will now meet Zimbabwe in the Semi Finals.

• Kenya to Meet Fiji in Quarter Finals

  Posted: June 21, 2008, 12:03 am by DataMiner

  Fiji's loss today to Bristol University saw them take second position in their group and as a result will meet Kenya in the second quarter final match set to kick off at noon sharp tomorrow. Kenya had a flawless day one that saw them dispatch all their opponents with ease. The other quarter finals see Samurai take on Zimbabwe, Bristol take on France and Tunisia the Emerging Boks. Kenya's 2nd

• Second Round According to Plan

  Posted: June 21, 2008, 7:28 pm by DataMiner

  There were no upsets in this second round. Kenya continue to march on strong, beating Botswana 33-0. I don't know if it by design, but Kenya's pool looks quite weak. With Zambia having beaten France, it seems like Kenya will not be tested on this first day. This may have repercussions in the Quarter Finals and with the upsets being the order of the day, we may meet one of the seeded teams at

• Upsets Already

  Posted: June 21, 2008, 4:04 pm by DataMiner

  It is only 12 noon and already there are upsets galore. Fiji have lost to Bristol University, Emerging Boks have lost to Samurai, Japan to Grenoble and Shujaa to Tunisia. Kenya however have started well beating Zambia 43-0. Interesting to note that Bristol had initially complained about being put in too strong a pool with Fiji, Samurai and Uganda. That was undoubtedly the pool of death and

• Day 1 - Safari Sevens

  Posted: June 21, 2008, 2:25 pm by DataMiner

  Day one was dedicated to the schools and the veterans. Coming out top in the Schools are Nairobi Province and Western Province. They will meet in the final on Sunday. For the old farts, perennial rivals Quins and Nondies vets will face off in the final later today. More updates to follow. The Official Safari Sevens website is actually keeping up with the scores as they happen.

• Teams Named for Safari Sevens

  Posted: June 18, 2008, 1:27 pm by DataMiner

  The two sides, Kenya and Shujaa have been named for this year's Safari Sevens. You can see the squads here. For once the organisers seem to have listened to the management of the teams, a real change. In the past few years, the Safari Sevens event has been held barely a week after the last leg of the IRB Circuit. Apparently (from non-rugby players of course), the idea was to attempt to

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: June 16, 2008, 12:36 am by DataMiner

  Let me get this one out of the way before events catch up with me. The people who have read my past posts will know my feelings for The Tusker Safari Sevens and what it does or rather does not do for Rugby in Kenya. However, I am also not one to miss a good party and that it certainly is. So before the fever catches me, here goes. The Safari Sevens was mooted as an idea to develop rugby in the

• Kenya Cup Week Week 9

  Posted: June 16, 2008, 9:55 pm by DataMiner

  Well, what a weekend. Two draws, one close one and a no show. Impala keep their top ranking, Nakuru join KCB on second but with an inferior point difference. Quins retain fourth place but are inching up on the top three. Mwamba leap frog over Machine and Strathmore draw level on points. Nondies will also inch up on Mombasa who will drop points for their no show.

• Kenya Cup Results

  Posted: June 14, 2008, 12:44 am by DataMiner

  Quins 13 KCB 13, Nondies 5 Strathmore 5, Machine 15 Nakuru 22, Mombasa no show at Mwamba.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: June 13, 2008, 2:25 pm by DataMiner

  This weekend sees the last games of the first round being played in the Kenya Cup. Top of the billing will be the clash between defending champions KCB and last year's runners up Harlequins. KCB lost their unbeaten run last weekend to Impala and will still be smarting over that loss. Quins come from a morale boosting 73-12 mauling of Nondescripts and will have their tails high in the air.

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: June 11, 2008, 5:09 pm by DataMiner

  A few weeks ago, I was talking about the role the Union plays in the development of rugby and their involvement in the clubs. I argued about the top down structure as opposed to the bottom up structure. I of course was more in favor of the bottom up structure. My belief is that the union should play a major role in developing and strengthening the clubs. They should assist clubs in seeking

• Kenya Cup Week 8

  Posted: June 9, 2008, 3:34 pm by DataMiner

  A very eventful week if I may say. I don't know if it is a resurgence, a demise or both as Kenya Harlequins put up a remarkable display to post the largest score this season against no other than Nondescripts. After a whole seven weeks of playing mediocre rugby, Quins 73-12 mauling must send a very serious message to the top three of Impala, KCB and Nakuru. That KCB also fell to their first

• Kenya A Lose in Arusha

  Posted: June 8, 2008, 10:51 pm by DataMiner

  The Kenya A side lost 16 15 to Tanzania in an international friendly yesterday. More details as I get them.

• Kenya Cup Results

  Posted: June 7, 2008, 1:44 am by DataMiner

  Quins 73 Nondies 12, Kcb 20 impala 32, Machine 15 Strathmore 16, Nakuru 14 Mombasa 0.

• Kenya "A" to Arusha

  Posted: June 6, 2008, 5:34 pm by DataMiner

  The team is as below. It is refreshing to see so many new names in such a team. C. Macharia - Impala J. Macharia - KCB F. Amiani - KCB P. Oketch - Mwamba G ODIPO - QUINS F. Ngaira - Nakuru K. Imbuge - Impala D. Ekasi - Impala ( V Captain) E. Abere - Mwamba H. Libasia - KCB O. Ocholla - Impala C.

• Weekend Matches

  Posted: June 6, 2008, 4:29 pm by DataMiner

  As the league approaches the halfway stage, we have some interesting matches for the weekend. The pick of the day will be the top of he table clash between KCB and Impala at Impala Club. Only two points separate these two teams and as things are, one of them must drop points this weekend. The other matches have Nakuru at home to Mombasa, Mean Machine hosting Strathmore and Nondies hosting

• Weekly Ramble

  Posted: June 4, 2008, 11:11 pm by DataMiner

  At the risk of sounding repetitive, ramble I must. I just wonder what is the way forward for this great sport of ours. With the IRB Sevens Series over, and the Safari Sevens to be over in two weeks time, all interest in rugby is about to die off, at least as far as the union is concerned. We will be back to our mediocre leagues, playing our mediocre rugby and satisfied with our mediocre

• Melrose Sevens

  Posted: June 3, 2008, 7:29 pm by DataMiner

  It was actually the reality so I was not surprised at the outcome. Once more we could only beat Moldova. As far as blooding new players, it must have been quite an experience though complete losses are not usually the best motivators. Some people may need some counseling afterwards, especially if they had not been prepared for what happened. My take, it was a successful circuit. We proved we

• Kenya Cup Week 7

  Posted: June 3, 2008, 12:49 pm by DataMiner

  Well the top three continued their march, though Nakuru had a rest day. KCB remain on top, Impala are not alone on second and Nakuru slipped to third. No surprises really in the results. KCB keep piling on massive points and should the title be decided by points difference, they are well on the way there. I still maintain, the middle order will be the teams the top three must remain wary of.

• Kenya Cup Results

  Posted: June 1, 2008, 3:29 am by DataMiner

  KCB 43 Nondies 3 Impala 27 Mwamba 22 Quins 16 Machine 9. Strathmore 15 Mombasa 13.

• Better, but..

  Posted: May 31, 2008, 8:29 pm by DataMiner

  Second game lost 24-12 to France. Maybe the coach's plan is working. Gathumbi is a real find. Next game against Fiji at 19:14 EAT.

• Kenya Win First Match

  Posted: May 31, 2008, 5:53 pm by DataMiner

  A rather colourless match but a win all the same. Kenya 22 Moldova 5. Next game against France at 16:08 EAT.

• Weekend Games

  Posted: May 30, 2008, 2:38 pm by DataMiner

  Kenya Cup this weekend sees KCB host Nondies, Mwamba at home to Impala, Mean Machine host Quins and Mombasa Strathomore. I do not see any major re-alignment taking place in the league standings, however the interesting games should be Mwamba vs. Impala and Machine vs. Quins. KCB should have it fairly easy and maintain their unbeaten streak and the Mombasa vs. Strathomore should also be a

• Kenya Cup Week 6

  Posted: May 29, 2008, 2:45 pm by DataMiner

  The top three continued their march. Impala failed to get a point, losing to Nakuru. That saw them lose their lead and drop to second place. KCB remain the only unbeaten team in the league and gained the top ranking to lead the standings. Nakuru are tied second with Impala but on an inferior point difference. A solitary point separates the top three sides. Quins are nine points adrift in

Blah blah blah

Fish cakes

Alas a fish cake.

Yet more fish cakes

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

The end of the fish cakes