Homeboyz and Western Bulls meet in a match day three fixture at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday 22 November 2014.
This match is the first encounter on a double header that sees Lunch Bar Quins play Resolution Impala Saracens in the Ngong Road Derby at 4.00pm on the same day at the same venue.
Pau Murunga’s side who started the season with a 71-3 win over Machine on match day one come into this match off the back of a 45-7 loss to Impala last weekend, a match in which they never got out of first gear and will be tasked with containing a Bulls side that has shown grit and determination in posting two successive wins over seasoned opponents.
Murunga has made three sides to the side that started against Impala, handing starts to Kelvin Masai at scrum half in place of Michael Wanjala who is relegated to the bench, Davies Kanianga replacing Andrew Chogo at lock while Andrew Wekesa starts at hooker in place of Edwin Ombogo who starts from the bench.
The Bulls, placed fifth on the log have ground out two wins, a 19-17 win over Nondies and last weekend’s last gasp 16-15 result over Mwamba in Kakamega. Regardless of the nature of their wins, this is their best ever start to a season and they come to Nairobi looking to make it three wins on the trot.
Brian Makalama has made four changes to the side that beat Mwamba last weekend, starting Davis Chenge at openside flank, William Ong’are at lock, Polycarp Omari at tighthead and Reinhard Ashioya on the wing. Bram Shikanda and Miller Oroto did not travel with the team to Nairobi while Henry Omindo and Gilbert Onindo are relegated to the bench.
This should be an exciting encounter, a number of Homeboyz players notably Alvin Otieno, Humphrey Mulama and Bush Mwale all started out their club careers at Bulls and it will interesting to see how they mix it out against their former club. It will probably be played at a high tempo as both sides look to garner crucial points to sustain their challenge for a semi final slot.
This match, kicking off at 2.00pm will be officiated by Mwangi Karimi and aired live on Zuku Sports Channels 300/301
LINE-UPS
HOMEBOYZ
15. Leonard Mugaisi, 14. Bush Mwale, 13. Oscar Ayodi, 12. Max Kang’eri, 11. Alvin Otieno, 10. Haroun Lubisia, 9. Kelvin Masai,8.Humphrey Mulama, 7. Felix Ojow, 6. Leon Lubanga, 5. Davies Kanianga, 4. Emmanuel Mavala, 3. Paul Muikia, 2. Andrew Wekesa, 1. Thomas Okidia
Replacements:16. Edwin Ombogo, 17. Bramwel Mayaka, 18. Andrew Chogo, 19. Brian Chogo, 20. Michael Wanjala, 21.Kevin Ochami, 22. Bob Waga, 23.
WESTERN BULLS
15. Duncan Abuyeka, 14. Emmanuel Owade, 13. Eliab Baraza, 12. Cyrus Kuya, 11. Reinhard Ashioya, 24. Brian Watson, 9. Erastus Wanyama, 8. Elkiens Musonye,7. Davis Chenge, 6. Brian Bango, 5. William Ong’are, 4. Mike Ligono (captain), 18. Polycarp Omari, 2. Kevin Wanga, 1.Peter Aluku
Replacements
16. Frank Isutsa, 17. Kevin Juma, 3. Henry Omindo, 19. Gilbert Onindo, 20. Paul Mugalo, 21.Evin Asena, 10. Solomon Obiero, 23. Alvin Odwako
*Image courtesy of Western Bulls