BATTLE FOR MASAKU CROWN: Teams ready to fight for glory as Blak Blad set for Division Two title

Idris Fami of Nazarene University breaks away from USIU players during the Masaku Sevens rugby match at kenyatta Stadium, Machakos county on july 3, 2015.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Three top teams have withdrawn from the 2015 edition of the Masaku International Rugby tournament that started on Thursday with the schools competition at the Kenyatta Stadium.

Kenya Cup duo of Western Bulls and Nondies who had been drawn in Group B and C are among the teams who have pulled out.

The Ugandan Development side has also withdrawn from the fourth edition of the tournament due to unavailability of their players who have a national team assignment this weekend.

The trio joins defending champions Tabadamu from Fiji on the withdrawal list.

Kisumu RFC have replaced Bulls in what has been termed the Group of death comprising Homeboyz, Mwamba and Kenya Harlequin, while Masaku Select will battle with last year’s finalists Uganda U19, French Frogies and Young Turks in Group C. Despite the quartet’s withdrawal, tournament’s director Benjamin Ayimba is optimistic of hosting a competitive and successful event.

“Tabadamu, Uganda Development and Nondies informed us earlier about their withdrawal, but we are really disappointed by Western Bulls last minute withdrawal. They didn’t indicate that to us, but the good thing is that we had stand-by teams,” said Ayimba.

“We have seen some top class rugby from Thursday and with the top clubs starting their competition today, expect more entertaining and competitive action on the pitch.” The former Kenya Sevens team coach and player further revealed the change of name of British side Brighton Select to Cheers-mate Saba.

However, when contacted, Western Bulls team manager Newton Ong’alo cited inadequate preparations for their withdrawal.

Yesterday, Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad remained on course to retaining their Division Two title of the Masaku tournament after winning their first two Group A matches.

The defending champions have qualified for the quarter finals after thrashing USIU 19-7 in the opening match before hammering a depleted Athi River 27-0 in a one sided match.

CUEA and Kisii have also progressed to the knock out stage after winning their first two matches.

Meanwhile, National Sevens Circuit defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank declined an invite to this year’s Masaku Sevens International tournament to concentrate on preparations to defend their title.