The Worcester Warriors are facing a uphill struggle to refill their ranks, after their most recent match against Bath cost both sides dearly, in terms of how many players returned to the dressing room in one piece.
In a fixture described as “brutal” and “bruising”, the Warriors lost their prop, Matt Mullan, and flanker, Neil Best, to injury. Mullan damaged his shoulder, while Best picked up the arguably more painful injury, a broken forearm. Worcester's Shaun Perry was subbed at half-time, but the club's coach, Richard Hill, insists that he was not hurt.
Bath and England's Lewis Moody was removed from the field, during Friday's encounter, with an injury similar to that picked up by Mullan. It was the second time that Moody had been forced from the pitch; earlier, a collision with Worcester's Marcel Garvey resulted in a blood injury for the 33-year-old.
“The two positions where we could have done without injuries was in the back row and at loose-head prop”, Hill told the BBC. “It was a brutal game [on Friday], and quite a few Bath players went down too.” Worcester were already without Ceri Jones (shoulder), George Porter (appendicitis), and Oliver Tomaszczyk (hamstring), prior to last week's clash. Even fans of online 6 Nations betting will know how bad things are.
Hill now faces a desperate race against time to find a new forward for Saturday's away fixture against Exeter, though it is unclear whether he intends to pluck a player from the reserves, or bring in entirely new blood.
The Warriors will no doubt be hoping to capitalise on last weekend's victory over Bath, when they play the southerners at Sandy Park. However, at fifth in the Aviva Premiership with four wins from nine, Exeter are in much better shape than Worcester, at second-bottom.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
McGeechan still an option for the Lions
Ian McGeechan could yet return as the British and Irish Lions head coach for their 2013 tour of Australia, despite the Scot previously stating 2009 would be his last tour with the squad. McGeechan, currently in charge of Bath, is just one of a number of possible options available to the Lions' bosses, according to Andy Irvine.
The former Scotland full-back will act as tour manager for the 10-match trip, starting with a clash against the Barbarians in Hong Kong, before their three Tests against Australia. Fans of online rugby betting should remember this.
With all the current bosses of the home nations, Andy Robinson, Warren Gatland and Declan Kidney all reportedly among the shortlist, Irvine has confirmed the head coach position will be appointed with "a completely open mind." Irvine also revealed that the Lions most successful head coach McGeechan could well return to the role once again.
"We have a completely open mind for the 2013 tour on who it (coach) will be," he said.
"Whoever the coach is will be taking a year out. He does not have to come from the home unions and we could look worldwide, but ideally the head coach will come from a union associated with the Lions."
"Ian McGeechan has not ruled himself out entirely. He did indicate that 2009 would be his last tour, but he has said nothing definitive and he has to be an option."
McGeechan would be the obvious choice of many, but that isn't to say the Scot would accept the job at this stage in his career. Gatland would be the next logical choice and the Kiwi has experience with the Lions, something that would possibly give him the edge.
The former Scotland full-back will act as tour manager for the 10-match trip, starting with a clash against the Barbarians in Hong Kong, before their three Tests against Australia. Fans of online rugby betting should remember this.
With all the current bosses of the home nations, Andy Robinson, Warren Gatland and Declan Kidney all reportedly among the shortlist, Irvine has confirmed the head coach position will be appointed with "a completely open mind." Irvine also revealed that the Lions most successful head coach McGeechan could well return to the role once again.
"We have a completely open mind for the 2013 tour on who it (coach) will be," he said.
"Whoever the coach is will be taking a year out. He does not have to come from the home unions and we could look worldwide, but ideally the head coach will come from a union associated with the Lions."
"Ian McGeechan has not ruled himself out entirely. He did indicate that 2009 would be his last tour, but he has said nothing definitive and he has to be an option."
McGeechan would be the obvious choice of many, but that isn't to say the Scot would accept the job at this stage in his career. Gatland would be the next logical choice and the Kiwi has experience with the Lions, something that would possibly give him the edge.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Johnson defends England’s World Cup campaign
Former England rugby coach Martin Johnson has defended his reign at team manager, in particular his role in England’s controversial World Cup campaign.
Led by Johnson, England were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by France, but as those over at CasinosOnline.com will tell you this was just one of the problems with the tournament in South Africa.
There were a number of off the field controversies with regards to player behaviour and then to top everything off, controversial documents were leaked this week which criticised England coaching staff and the attitude of the players.
The documents were meant to be part of a private review into what went wrong in South Africa, but have turned into a public attack on Johnson, his coaching staff and English rugby in general.
Speaking for the first time since the documents were leaked, Johnson said: “It is not a true reflection of the squad. They are opinions, certainly not truths. They were written in an emotive time for everyone post-tournament.”
“The way they have been leaked is detrimental to the game. The way it has been reported, the imbalance, is one of the worst things.”
As for his own thoughts on the campaign, including the off the field incidents, Johnson admitted that they affected the team’s performances and overall focus.
He continued: “Certain actions by certain players did let the group down and led us to be portrayed as something we weren't and something they aren't but we didn't help that at the time so of course there were frustrations.”
"How much that affected things on the field, it's difficult to judge.I know it probably affected certain individuals and would have had an effect on the team and eroded a little bit of trust.”
“But, as a coaching group, we didn't feel it was having a huge effect on us as we went through to the final games. Some players were clearly frustrated early in the trip and that was dealt with.”
“I spoke with them after the Queenstown incident and left them in no uncertain terms as to where I thought they were at that point and after that there wasn't an issue until the end of the tournament.”
“If I had my time again I'd do things slightly differently but I know why I did what I did."
"I'm disappointed because we could have gone a lot further in the tournament but what's been reported is nowhere near the truth of it. That is a fact. That's not what happened.”
The future is now unclear for English rugby and indeed for Johnson. He has stepped down from the role of team manager of course and it remains to be seen what his next move will be.
Led by Johnson, England were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by France, but as those over at CasinosOnline.com will tell you this was just one of the problems with the tournament in South Africa.
There were a number of off the field controversies with regards to player behaviour and then to top everything off, controversial documents were leaked this week which criticised England coaching staff and the attitude of the players.
The documents were meant to be part of a private review into what went wrong in South Africa, but have turned into a public attack on Johnson, his coaching staff and English rugby in general.
Speaking for the first time since the documents were leaked, Johnson said: “It is not a true reflection of the squad. They are opinions, certainly not truths. They were written in an emotive time for everyone post-tournament.”
“The way they have been leaked is detrimental to the game. The way it has been reported, the imbalance, is one of the worst things.”
As for his own thoughts on the campaign, including the off the field incidents, Johnson admitted that they affected the team’s performances and overall focus.
He continued: “Certain actions by certain players did let the group down and led us to be portrayed as something we weren't and something they aren't but we didn't help that at the time so of course there were frustrations.”
"How much that affected things on the field, it's difficult to judge.I know it probably affected certain individuals and would have had an effect on the team and eroded a little bit of trust.”
“But, as a coaching group, we didn't feel it was having a huge effect on us as we went through to the final games. Some players were clearly frustrated early in the trip and that was dealt with.”
“I spoke with them after the Queenstown incident and left them in no uncertain terms as to where I thought they were at that point and after that there wasn't an issue until the end of the tournament.”
“If I had my time again I'd do things slightly differently but I know why I did what I did."
"I'm disappointed because we could have gone a lot further in the tournament but what's been reported is nowhere near the truth of it. That is a fact. That's not what happened.”
The future is now unclear for English rugby and indeed for Johnson. He has stepped down from the role of team manager of course and it remains to be seen what his next move will be.
Henson targets December return
Gavin Henson is targeting a return to action in December where he hopes to make his debut for Cardiff Blues in one of their Heineken Cup ties against Edinburgh.
Henson joined the Blues from RC Toulonnais after a short spell with the French side, where he was released from his contract earlier in May.
The 29-year-old dislocated his wrist whilst playing for his country against England in August during Wales 19-9 victory over Martin Johnson's side. The injury ruled the Welshman out of this year's World Cup in New Zealand and has delayed his debut for his new club.
Henson will have his competition in the Blues back-line with Casey Laulala and Jamie Robert both in good form this season. Those following the most up to date sports betting will know this.
Gareth Baber will have the option of using Henson as a fly-half, but Dan Parks has made the number 10 shirt his own this year.
Cardiff have made a great start to their Heineken Cup campaign after winning their opening two games of their group, first against Racing Metro in Paris and then at home to London Irish.
Baber's side have also made a solid start to the RaboDirect Pro12 season, winning five of their opening eight games. The Blues sit in third place, just one point behind leaders Ospreys.
The Welsh side will play host to Edinburgh in the European completion on December 9, they will then travel up to Scotland for the return fixture a week later. Both sides are unbeaten so far in the group so it is likely decide the winners of Pool 2.
The Scottish side have a one point advantage going into the double-bill after picking up a bonus point in one of their two victories.
Henson joined the Blues from RC Toulonnais after a short spell with the French side, where he was released from his contract earlier in May.
The 29-year-old dislocated his wrist whilst playing for his country against England in August during Wales 19-9 victory over Martin Johnson's side. The injury ruled the Welshman out of this year's World Cup in New Zealand and has delayed his debut for his new club.
Henson will have his competition in the Blues back-line with Casey Laulala and Jamie Robert both in good form this season. Those following the most up to date sports betting will know this.
Gareth Baber will have the option of using Henson as a fly-half, but Dan Parks has made the number 10 shirt his own this year.
Cardiff have made a great start to their Heineken Cup campaign after winning their opening two games of their group, first against Racing Metro in Paris and then at home to London Irish.
Baber's side have also made a solid start to the RaboDirect Pro12 season, winning five of their opening eight games. The Blues sit in third place, just one point behind leaders Ospreys.
The Welsh side will play host to Edinburgh in the European completion on December 9, they will then travel up to Scotland for the return fixture a week later. Both sides are unbeaten so far in the group so it is likely decide the winners of Pool 2.
The Scottish side have a one point advantage going into the double-bill after picking up a bonus point in one of their two victories.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Weekly Ramble
Just thought I would weigh in my thoughts on the ongoing fiasco of the broken league, and the splinter group, and the factions and all matter of stuff. I don't have much to say, but I'm sold onto the idea of affirmative action. I'm totally sold onto the idea that teams need more quality games to improve, and current structures do not allow them to do that. Playing ESS sides is not quality enough and so the teams are not challenged enough. Even the Universities' league would not be challenging enough as the universities no longer have the calibre of the great Machine sides of the 90's that won back to back Kenya titles. In those days the most passionate game was Machine vs. Blak Blad, and wow, what sparks used to fly in those games. But I digress.
Playing in the Kenya Cup will give the teams the much needed exposure to attract sponsors, as competition for opportunities is great with other sports.The players will also get to play against top class competition and attract scouts from those teams to sign them up. The players will also be able to attract the eyes of national selectors and get called up for national duty. Added to this, by staying at home and playing rugby in their home region, job opportunities will also open up and there will be no need to seek greener pastures in other urban areas. This I believe will totally revolutionalise the youth mindset in these regions and change the focus for them. And those advocating for the status quo are actually really afraid of this spread of the game. And the drying up of their feeder pool since most of the best players today come from these regions. With that will also dry up their multi million sponsorships and the game will finally belong to the people, who are the masses.
Whilst most people resist change, it is inevitable, and those who do not know the "prayer of St. Francis of Assissi", they need to brush up on this, as without it, they will surely be brushed off in the wave that is coming.
Playing in the Kenya Cup will give the teams the much needed exposure to attract sponsors, as competition for opportunities is great with other sports.
Whilst most people resist change, it is inevitable, and those who do not know the "prayer of St. Francis of Assissi", they need to brush up on this, as without it, they will surely be brushed off in the wave that is coming.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Warriors tie up Cusiter
Glasgow Warriors have announced the news that British and Irish Lions scrum-half Chris Cusiter has signed a new long term deal with the club.
The former Scotland captain has agreed a deal to stay with Sean Lineen’s side to at least May 15th and now his future is sorted he’ll be looking to help the team drive forward as they look for success at both home and aboard.
Cusiter joined the club in 2009 following a spell with French side Perpignan and says he is delighted to have signed the deal with a side that is clearly moving forward. Fans of betting should remember this.
He told the club's official site: "I'm delighted to have signed for another three years, and I'm genuinely excited about what we're in a position to realise here during that period of time.
“I'm personally very ambitious. I want to perform to a very high level with the Warriors in the RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup, helping the team achieve success, and I'm also determined to establish myself as the first choice scrum-half for Scotland."
For a number of years, the Warriors were seen as also-rans in both the RaboDirect PRO12 league and the Heineken Cup. However, they have got off to a strong start in both competitions this season and with a number of talented youngsters coming through the ranks they look like they could be on the verge of something special. Those looking at the free sports betting should bear this in mind.
This is the result of a long-term plan put in place by the vision and Cusiter says these ambitious steps were part of the reason he agreed to stay.
The former Scotland captain has agreed a deal to stay with Sean Lineen’s side to at least May 15th and now his future is sorted he’ll be looking to help the team drive forward as they look for success at both home and aboard.
Cusiter joined the club in 2009 following a spell with French side Perpignan and says he is delighted to have signed the deal with a side that is clearly moving forward. Fans of betting should remember this.
He told the club's official site: "I'm delighted to have signed for another three years, and I'm genuinely excited about what we're in a position to realise here during that period of time.
“I'm personally very ambitious. I want to perform to a very high level with the Warriors in the RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup, helping the team achieve success, and I'm also determined to establish myself as the first choice scrum-half for Scotland."
For a number of years, the Warriors were seen as also-rans in both the RaboDirect PRO12 league and the Heineken Cup. However, they have got off to a strong start in both competitions this season and with a number of talented youngsters coming through the ranks they look like they could be on the verge of something special. Those looking at the free sports betting should bear this in mind.
This is the result of a long-term plan put in place by the vision and Cusiter says these ambitious steps were part of the reason he agreed to stay.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Weekend Games
Thought there would be but apparently not. The folly of trying to force people who are not ready to be a part of just doesn't work. Hence my question in my Ramble this week, what is there to work towards? If these things are given, not earned, they have the effect of diluting the competition, as well as retaining their high nuisance value. More and more reason why there must be promotion and relegation in a league and people who have yearned and earned, given the opportunity to play in the top flight, not a political gimmick.
Do enjoy your weekend all the same.
S.
Do enjoy your weekend all the same.
S.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Weekly Ramble
Call them chickens, call them cows, but time has surely ran out. I did not expect anything, but gave time to see, and what I have seen saddens me deeply. A plaint I heard the still suspended General Manager of the KRU make was that "surely, don't you think we love the game as much as anyone else?" Well the answer is some more than more, based on what they get out as opposed to what they put in. Call us peculiar, call us Kenyans, but why is it that those who work the most, get the least? And as is turning out in real life, give an activist a job and you find out just why he as agitating. Jealousy, or lack of opportunity, makes people point fingers. And the fact that the current schairman spent his first days in office dismantling existing systems, makes one wonder what the idea was. Change for change's sake is dangerous, and for change to completely delink itself from the past, makes one wonder if it is really worth it. Sometimes stability matters more and gradual change better than abrupt. But again you reap where you sow.
To matters I am more used to. Kenya Cup fixtures are not yet out and the league starts on Saturday. Apparently there is a club representatives meeting to discuss this on Friday, so what happens if no agreement is reached? And for those travelling to play, when do they plan this? And just a thought, is it by our constitution for the Union to shove fixtures down the throats of clubs? Is some form of consensus allowed in all this? Is the increase in teams sanctioned? And of what value is a league that everyone plays in? Is there a merit based system to get to the top? For instance how does a team progress from Mtaa, to Nationwide, to Eric Shirley, to Kenya Cup? Or do you merely agitate and vote for the chairman who promises your participation? Come to think of it, of all the leagues being run concurrently, can we tier them Division I to VI, or is that mere conjecture? And why then are we playing this game?
I seem to have a lot to say today. This one I should call "the Poisoned Chalice". I mentioned it just before the Safariccom Sevens and will mention it again. Our Sevens team is totally new. This gives them a chance to build something of their own. From the technical team to most of the players. However, I am not convinced that we could not use some of the now left out players better to build the team. Once more wholesale change is good, but to what end? At the end of the last HSBC IRB Sevens Circuit, questions were already being raised as to our competitiveness and our place as a core team of the circuit. I thought we needed to cement this and hence once more heads rolled. However, I am not entirely convinced we are going about it the right way and just wonder how much time we will be given to prove that we really are worthy of being a core team of the circuit. All in all, I wish the team well in the first three legs of the now expanded circuit.
S.
To matters I am more used to. Kenya Cup fixtures are not yet out and the league starts on Saturday. Apparently there is a club representatives meeting to discuss this on Friday, so what happens if no agreement is reached? And for those travelling to play, when do they plan this? And just a thought, is it by our constitution for the Union to shove fixtures down the throats of clubs? Is some form of consensus allowed in all this? Is the increase in teams sanctioned? And of what value is a league that everyone plays in? Is there a merit based system to get to the top? For instance how does a team progress from Mtaa, to Nationwide, to Eric Shirley, to Kenya Cup? Or do you merely agitate and vote for the chairman who promises your participation? Come to think of it, of all the leagues being run concurrently, can we tier them Division I to VI, or is that mere conjecture? And why then are we playing this game?
I seem to have a lot to say today. This one I should call "the Poisoned Chalice". I mentioned it just before the Safaric
S.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
KRFU - Ali Mwangi and the 40 thieves
Its our turn to eat.
Mwangi and his corrupt directors now exposed. Heat turns on Mwangi,
Adembesa, Rabar and Nyamodi as Safari Sevens stares at 15 million
loss. Mwangi's half of the Board in trouble as Sabwa, Odhiambo and
Emuye dig in to expose Mwangi's poor governance and accountability
methods. Saints are only found in heaven says Mwangi.
Rombo being Rombo was busy looking at the mirror and being left out of
the eating and being incompetent as Director of national team sevens
and fifteens. Fifteens players rough up Rombo over lack of payments at
after game dinner. This was after Rombo left RFUEA without paying his
drinks bill.
This is your opportunity to you to hjave your say. Over to you rugby
fan. Spill the beans here on the blog.
'Impossible is a word only found in the Dictionary of Fools. Napoleon Bonaparte'
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Kenya Are Africa Champions
Kenya put up a determined though not inspired performance to overcome
Tunisia 16 7 despite going 0-7 down after only two minutes.
Tunisia 16 7 despite going 0-7 down after only two minutes.
Kenya Face Tunisia in African Championship
Kenya face Tunisia in a watered down African Rugby Championship match today from 4.00 p.m. at the KRFUEA grounds. Namibia and Morocco withdrew from what would have been a showpiece of the top four ranked African sides leaving the two sides to fight it out for the ultimate title.
KENYA'S C.A.R CUP SQUAD
1. Joel Ng'ang'a UAP RHINOS
2. Vincent Ongera UAP RHINOS
3.Dennis Karani SDV CHEETAHS
4.Anthony Mutai UAP RHINOS
5. Ronnie Mwenesi LIONS
6. Duncan Ekasi SDV CHEETAHS
7. Andrew Amonde LIONS
8. Brian Okwomi NGUVU SHARKS
9.Charles Kanyi SDV CHEETAHS
10. Linus Simiyu SDV CHEETAHS
11.Victor Sudi UAP RHINOS (CAPTAIN)
12. Patrice Agunda UAP RHINOS
13. Anthony Nyandi'gisi SDV CHEETAHS
14.Vincent Mose SDV CHEETAHS
15. Matthew Musita LIONS
16. Curtis Lilako LIONS
17. Daniel Kiptoo UAP RHINOS
18. Dennis Mwanja LIONS
19. Kevin Umbuge SDV CHEETAHS
20. Peter Mutai LIONS
21. Isaac Adimo UAP RHINOS
22. Kelvin Omiyo SDV CHEETAHS
MANAGEMENT
Michael Otieno (Head Coach)
Edward Kinyany (Asst Coach)
Charles Ngovi (Asst Coach)
Wangila Simiyu (Team Manager)
Chris Makachia (Physio)
Results here after the game.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Weekly Ramble
Well the Safaricom Sevens came and went and quite a party it was. Despite misgivings about the venue and alleged misprocurement issues, it ran quite smoothly and was quite a spectacle. The only issue is that when Kenya fails to make it to the final, half the interest of the spectators goes as people seem more keen on enjoying the party atmosphere. Samoa thrilled and convinced all that they do have great depth and so did Kenya to some extent. That Mwamba appeared stronger than Kenya was a bit odd, but with a major continental competition on this coming weekend, maybe all is not lost. We showed we had the depth and the personnel, just lacked the experience. Odd also that maybe the experienced players showed this inexperience more, but maybe they felt they were carrying too heavy a load. As for technical expertise, I reserve my comments for now as I seek to see more in days to come.
As for the upcoming continental championship, I still believe there are other ways to do this, that may not be so money intensive and that the Confederation of African Rugby are not doing enough thinking and/or planning. My Weekly Ramble from two years ago linked above could still be true today and I really do not see much changing. For Namibia to cry foul about finances I really wonder if we want to go to the Rugby World Cup if it can leave such a country broke!
I hope our fifteens team has prepared well and are ready for the challenge at hand. It is a one off match that leaves the winner as the African Champions, but I have said before, they can build a path to this title. If we can struggle to hold a championship for national teams, will we ever get to a stage where we will have a club continental championship. Rugby has a long way to go on this continent.
As for the upcoming continental championship, I still believe there are other ways to do this, that may not be so money intensive and that the Confederation of African Rugby are not doing enough thinking and/or planning. My Weekly Ramble from two years ago linked above could still be true today and I really do not see much changing. For Namibia to cry foul about finances I really wonder if we want to go to the Rugby World Cup if it can leave such a country broke!
I hope our fifteens team has prepared well and are ready for the challenge at hand. It is a one off match that leaves the winner as the African Champions, but I have said before, they can build a path to this title. If we can struggle to hold a championship for national teams, will we ever get to a stage where we will have a club continental championship. Rugby has a long way to go on this continent.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Safaricom Sevens Order of Play
| SAFARICOM SEVENS 2011 | ||||||
| SATURDAY 5 TH NOVEMBER | ||||||
| POOL A | POOL B | POOL C | POOL D | |||
| Kenya | Emerging Boks | Samoa | Zimbabwe | |||
| Uganda | Bristol | Spain | Samurai | |||
| Grenoble | Auckland Vikings | Belmont Shore | British Army | |||
| Rwanda | Mwamba | Goshawks | Tanzania | |||
| Game | Category | Time | Team | vs | Team | |
| 21 | Schools semi | 8:00 AM | 1st A | vs | 2 nd B | |
| 22 | Schools semi | 8:20 AM | 1st B | vs | 2 nd A | |
| 23 | Sch Spear Final | 8:40 AM | 5 th A | vs | 5 th B | |
| 24 | Sch Shield Final | 9:00 AM | 4 th B | vs | 4 th A | |
| 25 | Sch Bowl Final | 9:20 AM | 3 rd A | vs | 3 rd B | |
| 1 | SS | 10:00 AM | Zimbabwe | vs | British Army | |
| 2 | SS | 10:22 AM | Samurai | vs | Tanzania | |
| 3 | SS | 10:44 AM | Samoa | vs | Belmont Shore | |
| 4 | SS | 11:06 AM | Spain | vs | Goshawks | |
| 5 | SS | 11:28 AM | Emerging Boks | vs | Auckland Vikings | |
| 6 | SS | 11:50 AM | Bristol Uni Select | vs | Mwamba | |
| 7 | SS | 12:12 PM | Kenya | vs | Grenoble | |
| 8 | SS | 12:34 PM | Uganda | vs | Rwanda | |
| 26 | Sch Plate Final | 12:56 PM | Loser semi 1 | vs | Loser semi 2 | |
| 27 | Schools Final | 1:18 PM | Winner semi 1 | vs | Winner semi 2 | |
| 9 | SS | 1:50 PM | Tanzania | vs | Zimbabwe | |
| 10 | SS | 2:12 PM | Samurai | vs | British Army | |
| 11 | SS | 2:34 PM | Goshawks | vs | Samoa | |
| 12 | SS | 2:56 PM | Spain | vs | Belmont Shore | |
| 13 | SS | 3:18 PM | Mwamba | vs | Emerging Boks | |
| 14 | SS | 3:40 PM | Bristol Uni Select | vs | Auckland Vikings | |
| 15 | SS | 4:02 PM | Rwanda | vs | Kenya | |
| 16 | SS | 4:24 PM | Uganda | vs | Grenoble | |
| 16 | SS mini Boys final | 4:44 PM | 1st A | vs | 1st B | |
| 7 | Women Final | 5:04 PM | 1 | vs | 2 | |
| 17 | SS | 5:30 PM | British Army | vs | Tanzania | |
| 18 | SS | 5:52 PM | Belmont Shore | vs | Goshawks | |
| 19 | SS | 6:14 PM | Auckland Vikings | vs | Mwamba | |
| 20 | SS | 6:36 PM | Grenoble | vs | Rwanda | |
| 21 | SS | 6:58 PM | Zimbabwe | vs | Samurai | |
| 22 | SS | 7:20 PM | Samoa | vs | Spain | |
| 23 | SS | 7:42 PM | Emerging Boks | vs | Bristol Uni Select | |
| 24 | SS | 8:04 PM | Kenya | vs | Uganda | |
| END | 8:26 PM | |||||
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Kenya Squad for Safaricom Sevens
The team is as below.
1. Sidney Ashioya
(Quins/Captain)
2.
Collins Injera
(Mwamba)
3.
Willy Ambaka
(Quins)
4.
Edwin Makori
(Nakuru)
5.
Philip Wamae
(KCB)
6.
Biko Adema
(Nondies)
7. Bryan Nyikuli
(Homeboyz)
8.
Horace Otieno
(Mwamba)
9.
Naftali Bondo
(Quins)
10.
Felix Ayange
(Strathmore)
11. Michael Wanjala
[Strathmore]
12. Leon Adongo
[Quins]
Reserves
13. Mike Agevi
(Mwamba)
14. Victor Oduor
(Quins)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Weekly Ramble
Finally the most positive news I have had in a long time. The bar has been set and should not be lowered, whatever the reason. KRU is finally in the big money leagues and will no longer fight for penny change from the same sponsors clubs are chasing. The money from Kenya Airways will go a long way, though I still have my doubts expressed here. Though as an afterthought maybe the figures now being discussed will cause clubs to up their ante in sourcing for sponsorship as well and be in a position to get more and more funds. This would in turn also enable them to better take care of their players and facilities and improve their standards of play. This may then make them an effective feeder for the National teams. I just have too many "mays" in my paragraph, keeping me skeptical as ever. But that is not what I came out to say today.
This week sees the Safaricom Sevens take place in a different, bigger, more spacious venue. For the teams coming it would be a relief to be a bit further from the usually vocal Nairobi crowd, but then again, where will that homely feeling be? The list of attendees for once is very enticing and this should be the most competitive sevens in a long time. The benefit of a date change (wondering how the Vipers and Emerging Boks will be split), or the fact that this will be the most expensive event ever (in terms of money spent) but very good for the fans and the new venue. The challenge will be to fill it but also 75% would not be bad. Enough to make it a pleasant experience for those with families in tow as well. The proximity to town will make for a hellish Saturday night concert, but that is not my focus.
All in all, this is a lot of pressure on the new technical team, new captain and new players. Their first major test is on home soil and based on this, people will make their judgements on many things, and with money now a factor, the hatchets will surely be sharp. For some this may be way to stressful, but to others, it doesn't get any better than this. With Samurai and the British Army finally gracing our event, what remains is the addition of prize money, and maybe the rest of the mercenaries will join the party, and we have a truly fabulous event.
All the best to the players from all teams, loads of fun for the funs (sic) and let's remember, Monday is a working day.
This week sees the Safari
All in all, this is a lot of pressure on the new technical team, new captain and new players. Their first major test is on home soil and based on this, people will make their judgements on many things, and with money now a factor, the hatchets will surely be sharp. For some this may be way to stressful, but to others, it doesn't get any better than this. With Samurai and the British Army finally gracing our event, what remains is the addition of prize money, and maybe the rest of the mercenaries will join the party, and we have a truly fabulous event.
All the best to the players from all teams, loads of fun for the funs (sic) and let's remember, Monday is a working day.
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