Kenya Harlequins Update 07/08/06
By Herbert Mwachiro
August 14 2006
Kenya Harlequins storm into the Enterprise Cup Final (19 August) with their third consecutive victory in 2006 over sad Impala. They will face Mwambain a repeat of the 1988 Cup Final.But it's the end of the road for the hard working second XV.
Kenya Harlequin stormed into the 2006 Enterprise Cup final with an exciting 26-15 victory over sad neighbours and bitter rivals Impala RFC. This was Quins third successive victory over Impala this season. The win set up a date for the final with Mwamba RFC also known as 'Kulabu' who pipped Nondies 39-36 in a close encounter. Quins and Mwamba last met in the Enterprise Final way back in 1988 when then Quins skipper Stan Oburru Ramogo lifted the trophy.
Saturdays game had all the makings of a classic. First Impala conceded home ground advantage and asked for the match to be switched to Quins thinking that they would find it easier to run over the home side Quins. Secondly they were the first to find the chalk as Dan Wekhu scored for Impala to make it 5-0. Quins immediately woke up and hit back with a pushover over try from a set-piece with Enos Otieno, who had a great game, touching down to level the scores. From then on Quins took charge and it came as no surprise when strong Ferdinand 'Nyundo' Ngaira bashed and banged his way through five Impalas and scored to give Quins a 10-5 lead. Julius Abwanzo reminded us that Quins kickers are not there to make conversions but rather more interested in finding touch. A Peter Abuoga penalty just before half time saw Quins lead 13-5 at the breather.
The second half kicked off with a furious rally from Impala and Moses Kola reduced the deficit to 13-8 after Quins were caught stealing by the referee. Impala then brought on veteran Wamanga for another old horse Mwenesi and his Impact was felt as he sliced through the Quins rearguard to score Impala's second try which was converted. 15 -13 the score stood in Impalas favour and their 6 fans thought the tide had changed in their favour. How wrong they were.
Peter Abuoga immediately put over a penalty which made it 16-15 in Quins favour and that was the last time Impala were seen of or heard of in the game. Allan Onyango charged down an Impala kick and followed up to score a try which Abwanzo duly converted to put the game beyond Impalas reach at 23-15. The Quins faithful in the stands were delirious as they sang the Quins anthem and followed up with 'Come all within, Come all without...'. Coach 'Crusader' Odundo then reintroduced Tito 'Jus Tito' Oduk into big time rugby in place of Peter Abuoga and immediately the big boy's contribution was to sink a massive penalty dead centre between the sticks as Impala were confirmed truly dead and buried.
The final whistle saw the fans break into more song and joy as the realization that we were in the final sank deep into the hearts. Old Quins from the 70's and 80's who had come to witness the game were left in no doubt that the boys had truly come of age. As is normal without fear or favour the faithful proceeded to get very very tired in the clubhouse as the lads enjoyed their victory till the wee hours. Man of the Match Ferdinand 'Nyundo' Ngaira.
Foe the second xv, their brave charge in the Mwamba Cup came to an end after on overstrengthened KCB ll shattered their dreams with a 15-0 victory at the Den. The lads can still take solace knowing that they truly and gallantly gave their all this season. Well in boys, keep your heads up and we live to fight another day.
The final on the 19th of August will see Quins battle it out with Mwamba and interestingly it will be our coach Tom 'Crusader' Odundo who is a former national coach having been fired from the national set up 2 months ago taking on his successor Emmanuel Okoth who was surreptiously brought in take take over as national team boss while Tom was still at the helm. Lets all be there and get all those Quins from the closets and archives to come and support the lads on that material day. Good luck Quins! We are close to the top of the mountain.
MEMBERSHIP:
As the club is very active this month, we request members to pay their subscriptions in order to help finance and support the activities of the club. Please support the efforts of the club.
Categories:
Sure -Kshs 1,000 (Annual only for registered players)
Strong - Kshs 5,000 (Annual)
Superior - Kshs 10,000 (Annual)
Legend - Kshs 100,000 (Life membership)
Please reach out to as many Friends of Quins (FOQ) as possible and if there are contacts of people out there young and old and with Quins at heart please let us have their contacts as well.
The 2006 membership drive continues.
32.Andrew 'Forest' Waititu - Superior
31.Fred Ouko - Superior
30.Tim 'Papa Tim' Githugu - Superior
29.Dan 'Scooby' Mugo - Superior (Honorary V/Chairman)
28. Thomas Lebreton - Superior
27. John Moore Ohaga - Superior
26. Kate Anampiu - Superior
25.John Kiarie - Superior
24.Masika Mukule - Strong
23 .David Waithaka - Strong
22.Richard Mukoma - Superior
21.Patrick Kiambi - Superior
20.Vincent Rariewa - Superior
19.Eliud Siganga - Superior
18.Sammy Okaro - Strong
17.Daag Ham Onsando - Superior (Honorary V/Chairman)
16.William Mudavadi - Superior
15.Thomas Odundo - Superior
14.Herbert Mwachiro - Superior
13.Sammy Muraya - Superior
12.Geoff Anampiu - Strong
11.Gordon Anampiu - Superior
10.Gabriel Ouko - Superior
9.Philip Jalango - Superior
8.Rodrigues Orawo - Superior
7.Aidan Moore - Superior
6.Ralph Nzomo - Superior
5.James Absaloms Juma - Superior
4.Ken Muli - Superior
3.Andrew Kimani - Superior
2.Dominique Dimba - Superior
1.Esther W Nganga - Strong