Kanbis have once again demonstrated their dominance in Kenyan cricket by successfully defending their NPCA Super Division title for the third successive year. With only one match still due to be played in the division, and that certain to be a walkover to second placed Stray Lions A as Swamibapa continue their petulance, Kanbis can once again start the celebrations. Despite a seemingly comfortable 16 point lead at the end of the season, they have not had it all their own way this year with two tied matches against Stray Lions and no small amount of controversy amongst other teams as the season progressed.

Swamibapa’s effective withdrawal from the league meant that instead of a tightly fought three horse race at the top, it was left to Kanbis and the newly promoted Lions to fight it out for the glory. In the end it was Kanbis’ strength in depth that pulled them through with an unbeaten season the difference between the two teams. With their B team coming close in Division 1, Kanbis would be keen to put a third string side together for next season if they are able to find a home venue. It would be no bad thing for Kenyan cricket if this could be accommodated and shows what can be achieved by a strong development system.

Aga Khan benefited from Swamibapa’s withdrawal to take third spot thanks to a much stronger finish to the season than their efforts in earlier games. Sir Ali Muslim were a comfortable fourth, while Jimmy Kamande’s Parklands Rhinos finished 5th. Justice failed to prevail and Swamibapa did not come bottom of the table – their unsportsmanlike conduct nullified by some early strong results leaving the wooden spoon to Nairobi Gymkhana who finished the season without a playing win. They may however be lucky to retain their spot in the top flight next season as with only 7 teams in the division this year, there will be space for one to move up without anyone being relegated.

Overall it has been a disappointing season in terms of controversy and team withdrawals. How much sweeter would it have been to have the top three teams fighting it out on the pitch. None the less, a great season again for the Champions Kanbis and Stray Lions too will take great heart at such a good showing in their first season of Super Division. If Swamibapa can sort out their petty differences with the NPCA, 2008 should be the season 2007 could have been.

A poll for Domestic Player of the year will follow in the next week once individual performances have been collated.