Dala: Israel Soi, Derrick Mayar and Richard Sidindi performed marvelously. Leon Adongo’s power was re incarnated, Dinda tackled like a beast and Nato Simiyu’s kicking never disappointed.
Washing Plates at Kabeberi.
Exactly 2 weeks ago, Impala took to the podium to lift a plate trophy at Kabeberi. For a club of such caliber, playing at the plate is never the aspiration. A consolation is a consolation, though. Catholic University, driven by an Impala Saracens exile; Harrison Asena, almost snatched those honours at Kabeberi. Lameck Dunde would save Impala the blushes scoring a last minute try that needed Simiyu’s boot for closure. Coach Nick Abok’s delight was capped by his post-match comment ‘at least we came out with something tangible’. That was Kabeberi.
Dala Sevens.
Clear wins at the Pool stage.
Kabras got a taste of the rough-hewn youngster Derrick Mayar. He drilled in 3 fabulous tries. Nato converted two of these for a 19-12 full time score. A clean 24-0 score was recorded against University side Blak Blad. Richard Sidindi fired the first salvo, scoring the first try. Mayar’s try scoring soul would be transferred to Israel Soi who registered a hat- trick in this match.
With the warm up matches done, a revenge mission was now considered possible. After a thorough beating at the Kabeberi quarters by the Strathmore Leos, the Gazelle finally paid back. 14-12, Impala – the final score. Top of the pool!
Main Cup Quarter:
Resolution Impala Saracens 12-0 Western Bulls
Impala would have been well ahead of Western Bulls early if Leon Adongo simply dived into the try box. Still, he redeemed himself when he grounded for a 5-0 first score. Nato missed the conversion.
Western Bulls were 10 metres close to scoring a try through Davis Chenge but David Dinda denied them this comeback. He tackled Chenge with giant might, forcing a turnover. Dinda would later squander a neat pass from Nato pass after scrum down in Bull’s 5. Half Time: Impala 5-0 Western Bulls.
The Gazelle half back combination was next on show… Nato takes the ball up, commits two defenders, releases an accurately measured pass to Richard Sidindi. Sidindi outruns 3 Western Bulls defenders, touches down! Try Time Impala. Nato converts. Full Time! 12-0 Impala! The Cup semis are calling…
Main Cup Semi:
Resolution Impala Saracens 0- 10 KCB Lions
Defensive lapses put paid to a match that had much promise. Two non-converted tries by KCB’s Darwin Mukidza and Fabian Olando shut the Cup door for the Gazelles. 10-0 KCB, at full time. The Gazelles set up a bronze date with Nakuru’s Wanyore.
3rd and 4th Place Play offs:
Resolution Impala Saracens 12-17 Top Fry Nakuru
Lameck Dunde’s try in the opening minutes of the first half sounded a warning to Nakuru. Nato’s trusted boot didn’t falter. 7-0 Impala. 2 minutes later, Nakuru answered with a non- converted try. 7-5 Impala. A minute later Nakuru touched down but failed to convert. Half Time: 10-7 for Nakuru.
A seesaw this one looked like. True to this description, Adongo went over the chalk, Nato missed the conversion from a tight angle. Impala 12-10 Nakuru. Nakuru would then reply with a try 5 metres away from the posts. Conversion looked wobbly but in, it was.