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Oilers keen to protect playoff position as Quins meeting looms

Wednesday, February 26th, 2020 07:34 | By
Menengai Oilers fly half Theophilus Lusangalu in action during a past Kenya Cup match against Homeboyz. PD/ALEX NJUE
Menengai Oilers fly half Theophilus Lusangalu in action during a past Kenya Cup match against Homeboyz. PD/ALEX NJUE

Menengai Oilers are keen to protect their top six status heading into the final round of the Kenya Cup regular season this weekend.

Oilers, who were promoted to the top flight this season, have been one of the standout performers in the 2019/20 campaign and sit in the final playoff position ahead of former champions Nakuru and Kenya Harlequins. 

The Nakuru-based side have 36 points from 15 matches, three ahead of local rivals Nakuru RFC and all they need is two losing bonus points to keep Wanyore out of the playoff hunt.

They face ninth-placed Harlequins in the final round and even though the 2012 champions stand no chance of reaching the playoffs, Oilers coach Gibson Weru has urged his side to guard against complacency.

“Harlequins will bring in good opposition but we will put our best foot forward and ensure we achieve our goal which is to be in the playoffs,” said Weru, whose side suffered a 43-13 loss to defending champions KCB last weekend.

He added: “KCB punished our relapse in concentration and it was virtually impossible to catch up. I am happy we picked up towards the end and we were able to get points.”

Oilers will have to be at their best to avoid losing their advantage as seventh-placed Nakuru face already relegated Western Bulls and a win, coupled with a loss for Weru’s charges will see them sneak in.

Meanwhile, Bulls and Kisumu RFC will have to contend with second tier rugby next season after being relegated last weekend.

However, there will be a battle royale at Jamhuri grounds on Saturday when second-placed KCB (69 points) take on Homeboyz, in third with 64 points, as both teams want to finish runners-up.

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