July 19, 2007

Leos, Strathmore University rugby team crowned a good run in the Eric Shirley Shield (ESS) league by clinching the diadem with a narrow 26-17 win over a star-studded Kenya Harlequin II on Saturday, 14th July 2007 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground.

The win came after a three-year development plan which saw them introduce excitement and variety to Kenya rugby. Two coaches, Benjamin Ayimba and Mitch Ocholla have been instrumental in molding the strong and versatile Leos.

Leos have popularized chest thumping in Kenya rugby. It is a unique way of celebrating a win or a score. They had to chest thump several times on Saturday at the request of their fans after overcoming a very strong Quins II side which included former Kenya internationals Roger Akena and Sidney Obonyo.

Quins II also fielded current Kenya backrow Leslie Libasia but were unable to break a solid Strathmore side that soaked up pressure in the last quarter. For some 10 anxious minutes, Quins pressed for the kill and camped in the Strathmore 25 but were unable to reach the try line.

Try scorers for Strathmore University were Joshua Gathumbi, Hastings Nyariki and Teddy Salano. Gathumbi put over one conversion and two penalties.

Quins replied with a try each by Eugene Magoma and Jared Owinyo. John Khakame kicked over two conversions and one penalty.

The winning Leos side had Chris Kanini, Seth Machuki, Eric Kioko, Davis Nyange, Githambi Mugambi, Edwin Mbogo, Wycliffe Kibet (captain), Hastings Nyariki, Geoffrey Githaiga, Ian Mwangi, Philip Moturi, Edgar Osege. Teddy Salano, Kariuki Njoroge, Joshua Gathumbi, Mark Odote, Shalton Ogola, Felix Osiemo, Brian Okwomi, Michael Mugo, Peter Njoroge and Maurice Mbae.

Leos captain Wycliffe Kibet attributed the win to a solid support by the university administration and good coaching. “The players are young and energetic. They have been able to express themselves in the past three years and it is exciting to win a big trophy like the ESS,” he said.

Kibet feels that Leos who have an average of 50 players for each training session are ripe for the Kenya Cup league. “We want to have a go at the Kenya Cup league. It is a goal we set three years ago and have consistently worked hard to achieve the vision,” Kibet added.

One of the qualities of this youthful side is strong defence which only conceded three defeats to KCB II and Quins II. Some of the players who have been instrumental in the chase for a first trophy are Ryan Musumba, Francis Sang, Michael Mugo, Teddy Salano, Eric Kioko and Joshua Gathumbi.

Although Leos have been playing in the second division, three players have broken through to the senior national teams. Teddy Salano, Philip Moturi and Joshua Gathumbi have all played for the national seven-a-side and 15's teams. They also have the distinction of fielding twins Joseph and James Kangethe.

Coach Mitch Ocholla attributed the win to hard work, discipline and determination. “It is a culmination of a three-year plan to get to the Kenya Cup. Out biggest weapon has been to turn defence into attack,” he explained.

With the ESS in the bag, Leos have given most of the first team players time to take a breather and will field a new crop of players for the knock-out Mwamba Cup. Leos are also keen to play in the Hima Tens and do well in the KRFU National Sevens Circuit.