Kenya Cup league leaders Resolution Impala Saracens continue to eat up rugby headlines. After week long negotiations between Mean Machine officials & Impala management, the battle field was settled on – The University of Nairobi Lower Kabete rugby grounds.
Impala’s cold start
Machine would start on a high, pressing Impala to the edge. A series of pick-ups caught the yet to adjust Gazelle forwards unawares. Soon enough, Kevin Mulinge could be seen rising up from the try box; Machine’s only try of the game. Flyhalf & Captain Renee Inyanga’s boot added 2 points to Mulinge’s efforts.
Machine down to 14, but press harder
Machine’s reduction to 14, sixteen minutes into the game could have been the reason for cracks in discipline. Okowa’s boot didn’t fail to register 3 after referee Kollo Nabiswa called for an infringement deep inside Machine 22. The students were lucky to get another penalty slotted in by Valentine Odoyo, after the Impala forwards were caught offside at the ruck.
End to Machine’s scoring. Enter Impala’s assault
Vincent Mose would stretch his defenders to score at the corner. Douglas Ochami would follow suit. Both tries were converted by Okowa George. Clever play at the line out between Daddex Karani and Ndome Daniel left the Machine forwards writhing in disbelief. Okowa was unlucky with the posts.
Half Time: Resolution Impala Saracens 22-10 Mean Machine RFC
Mose, Billy, Ekasi & Motari torment Machine
Billy Omondi’s 2 angular runs at pace & Motari’s try after collection from Nato’s ass pass, successfully converted by Okowa successfully extinguished the hosts’ hopes for a win. As they continued grumbling amongst themselves, Ekasi pulled one off the maul to touch down. Okowa’s kick at goal raised many a worry on officiating standards after only one touch judge raised his flag. Tempers would be seen flying from an effervescent Machine fan bench, only to be calmed when Nabiswa cancelled the touch judge’s call. Mose’s fearlessness in joining the line between the flyhalf and inside centre & scoring, last witnessed 4 years ago was neatly iced by Okowa to close the game at 55-10.
This win cements Impala’s position atop the log with 31 points. Quins are second with 27 points after beating KCB Lions 20-14. KCB sit at third place with 26 points.
