KCB 29 Machine 20 Kisumu 6 Quins 20 Homeboyz 15 Impala 30 Nondies 5
Nakuru 14 Strathmore 19 Mwamba 13
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Las Vegas Sevens Updates: Kenya 17 Scotland 14 and Kenya 38 Brazil 0
So far so good. Last game against England tonight. Seems we'll make the main cup quarter finals.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Weekend Games
Other than the 7s team in Las Vegas this weekend, Kenya Cup action continues. Hopefully with the usual spills and thrills that have characterised this season thus far. Just wondering if/when the first round first leg matches will be replayed as they did not take place during the go slow/boycott by "elite" clubs.
The top billed match has Strathmore hosting Mwamba. KCB are away to Mean Machine, Nondies at home to Nakuru, Quins travel to Kisumu and Homeboyz host Impala. My calls are Mwamba over Strathmore by 5, KCB over Machine by 10, Quins with a bonus point victory over Kisumu and Impala by 3 over Homeboyz.
My 7s call still stands, a main cup quarter final followed by a plate semi final exit.
Do have a good weekend and do enjoy your rugby.
The top billed match has Strathmore hosting Mwamba. KCB are away to Mean Machine, Nondies at home to Nakuru, Quins travel to Kisumu and Homeboyz host Impala. My calls are Mwamba over Strathmore by 5, KCB over Machine by 10, Quins with a bonus point victory over Kisumu and Impala by 3 over Homeboyz.
My 7s call still stands, a main cup quarter final followed by a plate semi final exit.
Do have a good weekend and do enjoy your rugby.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Dan Parks hands youth a chance
Dan Parks will no doubt be feeling pretty gutted that his last major contribution to his country and last significant appearance in a Scotland shirt was marred by one of his kicks being charged down and then converted into a winning try by England at Murrayfield, but the player will still be considered a massive legend by those north of the border.
Holding an admirable Scottish record of 17 dropped goals since starting his international career, Parks has decided to set aside his bid for continued personal glory, doing the decent thing by handing youth a chance in a Betfair Six Nations 2012 tournament in which Scotland will be looking to secure anything but the dreaded wooden spoon.
Having said that, Parks has come in for some criticism by opting to retire so close to the next match for Scotland in the Six Nations, with incoming players perhaps not granted quite enough time to prepare adequately for the step up. Anyone following the Betfair latest rugby betting odds needs to bear this in mind.
With everyone all too aware that playing the key fly-half position for a Scotland side in need of a decent performance against a Wales team looking to pile on more pain on Scottish shoulders is a tough ask for any player, the one question that Parks may now have to answer is why he didn’t make his decision before the Six Nations began.
That would certainly have allowed Andy Robinson the opportunity to spend more time thinking about how best to replace the veteran but at least now Scotland have the chance to prove that their youthful players are able to adapt well to difficult circumstances on the biggest stage of them all.
Holding an admirable Scottish record of 17 dropped goals since starting his international career, Parks has decided to set aside his bid for continued personal glory, doing the decent thing by handing youth a chance in a Betfair Six Nations 2012 tournament in which Scotland will be looking to secure anything but the dreaded wooden spoon.
Having said that, Parks has come in for some criticism by opting to retire so close to the next match for Scotland in the Six Nations, with incoming players perhaps not granted quite enough time to prepare adequately for the step up. Anyone following the Betfair latest rugby betting odds needs to bear this in mind.
With everyone all too aware that playing the key fly-half position for a Scotland side in need of a decent performance against a Wales team looking to pile on more pain on Scottish shoulders is a tough ask for any player, the one question that Parks may now have to answer is why he didn’t make his decision before the Six Nations began.
That would certainly have allowed Andy Robinson the opportunity to spend more time thinking about how best to replace the veteran but at least now Scotland have the chance to prove that their youthful players are able to adapt well to difficult circumstances on the biggest stage of them all.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Tomkins forced to wait
Cross-code convert Joel Tomkins has had to wait for another taste of rugby union action after a dream start to life at Saracens.
The former England rugby league international scored two tries on debut in Sarries’ 41-14 LV= Cup win against Worcester on January 29, but has had to wait for another opportunity to impress following the postponed clash at Newport Gwent Dragons last weekend. Those looking to make a best online rugby bet should remember this.
It is never easy moving codes, but Saracens coach Alex Sanderson believes Tomkins has what it takes to make it in the 15-a-side code.
"Joel is an intelligent player and the more he plays the better he'll become. We have big hopes for Joel in the future, because he is a very talented lad," Sanderson said after Tomkins’ impressive debut at outside centre.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Wigan Warriors and made his debut in 2005 at the age of 18.
After a slow start to his Wigan career, he cemented a regular first-team place and became an integral part of their 2010 Super League success. Last season, he scored one of the best tries in Challenge Cup final history as the Warriors defeated Leeds Rhinos at Wembley.
Tomkins is looking to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jason Robinson and Chris Ashton and represent England in both codes.
"Playing for England is definitely a long-term goal. It's a long way away and a lot of hard work," Tomkins said after joining Saracens in November.
Tomkins certainly has what it takes to make it in union. He has pace, power, size and skill – attributes that translate into either code.
He should get the opportunity to build on his early success at struggling Wasps on Sunday. Tomkins will be keen to show his debut wasn’t a flash in the pan.
The former England rugby league international scored two tries on debut in Sarries’ 41-14 LV= Cup win against Worcester on January 29, but has had to wait for another opportunity to impress following the postponed clash at Newport Gwent Dragons last weekend. Those looking to make a best online rugby bet should remember this.
It is never easy moving codes, but Saracens coach Alex Sanderson believes Tomkins has what it takes to make it in the 15-a-side code.
"Joel is an intelligent player and the more he plays the better he'll become. We have big hopes for Joel in the future, because he is a very talented lad," Sanderson said after Tomkins’ impressive debut at outside centre.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Wigan Warriors and made his debut in 2005 at the age of 18.
After a slow start to his Wigan career, he cemented a regular first-team place and became an integral part of their 2010 Super League success. Last season, he scored one of the best tries in Challenge Cup final history as the Warriors defeated Leeds Rhinos at Wembley.
Tomkins is looking to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jason Robinson and Chris Ashton and represent England in both codes.
"Playing for England is definitely a long-term goal. It's a long way away and a lot of hard work," Tomkins said after joining Saracens in November.
Tomkins certainly has what it takes to make it in union. He has pace, power, size and skill – attributes that translate into either code.
He should get the opportunity to build on his early success at struggling Wasps on Sunday. Tomkins will be keen to show his debut wasn’t a flash in the pan.
IRB Las Vegas Sevens: Local Timings
Kenya are in Pool D with England, Brazil and Scotland. We kick off with Scotland on Saturday morning at 04.28 a.m. followed by Brazil at 07.24 a.m. The final pool game will be against England at 00.28 on Sunday morning.
Wishing the team all the best.
Wishing the team all the best.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
England to Field Uncapped Players
At 5p.m. on Saturday afternoon, the England rugby team will play Scotland at Murrayfield. The fixture, only the second of an embryonic Six Nations tournament, will be notable for the inclusion of three debutants in the former side, namely Brad Barritt, Phil Dowson, and the Saracens' Owen Farrell.
Dowson, who will bear the mantle of England's number eight in just over 24 hours time, plies his trade at the Northampton Saints. Those following the best betting should remember this.
Described as "hugely experienced as a leader", the 30-year-old worked alongside the national coach, Stuart Lancaster, in the England Saxons, back in 2005.
"He is a very good footballer", Lancaster said, of Dowson. "He has played lots of big games, and he is desperate to play for England. That is a big thing for me. He deserves his opportunity." Dowson is one of nine 'new' players in the England side; only six remain from the side's disastrous World Cup campaign.
Joining the former Falcon in Edinburgh is Brad Barritt, currently of the Saracens. Barritt, 25, will play at outside centre for England, with his Sarries teammate, Farrell, covering the inside. Lancaster, notably, is playing the two players slightly out of position; their roles are reversed at the Saracens.
Farrell, the final newcomer, is the son of England coach, Andy. The 20-year-old has been lauded for his ability with the oval ball in recent days but his lack of experience on the main stage could prove a problem for an England side that is already lacking in battle-worn stars.
Retired Scot, Andy Nicol, referred to England in 2012 as "the least experienced England side I can remember, and in many ways the least intimidating". Scotland have more than double the combined international caps of their opponents, with 501 to England's 236.
Lancaster's decision to drop more than half of England's World Cup squad could be seen as an effort to distance the side from the disaster that was the national team's most recent campaign in New Zealand. However, it is questionable how effective a unit that has never played together competitively will be at the Six Nations.
Dowson, who will bear the mantle of England's number eight in just over 24 hours time, plies his trade at the Northampton Saints. Those following the best betting should remember this.
Described as "hugely experienced as a leader", the 30-year-old worked alongside the national coach, Stuart Lancaster, in the England Saxons, back in 2005.
"He is a very good footballer", Lancaster said, of Dowson. "He has played lots of big games, and he is desperate to play for England. That is a big thing for me. He deserves his opportunity." Dowson is one of nine 'new' players in the England side; only six remain from the side's disastrous World Cup campaign.
Joining the former Falcon in Edinburgh is Brad Barritt, currently of the Saracens. Barritt, 25, will play at outside centre for England, with his Sarries teammate, Farrell, covering the inside. Lancaster, notably, is playing the two players slightly out of position; their roles are reversed at the Saracens.
Farrell, the final newcomer, is the son of England coach, Andy. The 20-year-old has been lauded for his ability with the oval ball in recent days but his lack of experience on the main stage could prove a problem for an England side that is already lacking in battle-worn stars.
Retired Scot, Andy Nicol, referred to England in 2012 as "the least experienced England side I can remember, and in many ways the least intimidating". Scotland have more than double the combined international caps of their opponents, with 501 to England's 236.
Lancaster's decision to drop more than half of England's World Cup squad could be seen as an effort to distance the side from the disaster that was the national team's most recent campaign in New Zealand. However, it is questionable how effective a unit that has never played together competitively will be at the Six Nations.
Kenya Cup Week 9
Was miles off on some and goes to show the unpredicability of the league. Are the minnows catching up. Are they learning? Are the strong not as strong as they think they are? Is the length of the league taking it's toll? Are clubs struggling with depth? Maybe they were right. Maybe we need a 14-18 team league to finally improve our rugby. But we also need to build these 14-18 teams to the Kenya Cup standard.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Kenya Cup Results 040212
Kisumu 28 Nondies 25 Machine 26 Impala 20 Quins 22 KCB 15 Strathmore
19 Nakuru 18 Homeboyz 9 Mwamba 41
19 Nakuru 18 Homeboyz 9 Mwamba 41
Saturday, February 4, 2012
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