The 32nd and most significant match of the 2010 Kenyan league season sees two sides with great pedigree face off for the Kenya Cup title. Nivea for Men Quins, champions in 2003 and 2008 take on Kenya Commercial Bank , champions between 2005 and 2007 in a potentially explosive tie on Saturday 17th April 2010 at the RFUEA Grounds on Ngong' Road.
Quins were dominant during the regular season with a 6-1 record (six wins, one loss). This effort saw them claim top spot en route to the semi finals where they played outgoing champions Resolution Health Impala RFC and emerged 25-16 winners, earning another crack at the league title.
KCB ran Quins close, eventually finishing second at the end of the regular season with a 5-1-1(five wins, one draw, and one defeat) record. They overcame a late rally to beat Nakuru RFC 20-10, claiming their slot in the final.
Plenty to play for
Other than the league title, there is plenty more to play for. It will be remember that Quins inflicted KCB's heaviest home loss, claiming a bonus point in a 37-12 win at the Lions' Den on match day five. Claiming the double would be a great motivating factor for the Mighty Quins but the Lions' will be out to win the match that matters the most, the Kenya Cup title match.
Potential Action Spots
Front Row
There should be some interesting battles in the front row between the experienced Quins lot of Daniel Kiptoo, Vincent Ongera and Joel Ng'ang'a against the experienced KCB lot of Curtis Lilako, Edwin Alubaka and Moses Amusala. Throw in the experience of KCB's former Kenya prop Arthur Shikwe and it sure will be very hot in the boiler room when both sets of front rows compete.
Second Row
Dennis Mwanja has been imperious whenever he has donned the KCB Lions' green and blue jersey this season. His partnership with Ronnie Mwenesi has flourished; they have combined with devastating effect on more than one occasion. Their opposite numbers, Jared Owinyo and Tony Mutai have equally been devastating. Let's see how this battle turns out.
Back row
Quins have David Mogere, Allan Onyango, Leslie Libasia and Jeff Ojwach in the ranks. They come up against Philip Wamae, Xavier Makuba, Ken Isindu, Anthony Ogot and Anthony Ochino. Both sides only have room for three in the back row, whoever earns selection must be astute in defense and offense; must rise to the occasion on the day.
Midfield
Quins' Centers Patrice Agunda, David Ambunya and Dennis Muhanji are up against Andrew Amonde, Brian Omondi and Fabian Olando. With only two slots per team in midfield, whoever comes out on top probably holds the key to victory.
Coaches 'and captain's comments
Kenya Commercial Bank
Michael "Tank" Otieno last weekend spoke about working on his side's mental discipline ahead of the big clash. His captain Edwin Alubaka echoed his sentiments.
Nivea for Men Quins
Edward Kinyany' spoke about going back to the drawing board ahead of this clash against KCB, sentiments that were echoed by his skipper Daniel Kiptoo.
This match will be aired live on Supersport from 4.00pm and will be preceded by the third place playoff match at the same venue featuring Resolution Health Impala RFC and Nakuru RFC from 2.00pm
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