“A fight to the death. So near yet 1 point so far…. The full time buzzer beats the Resolution Impala Saracens to the Samson ‘Chums’ Odhiambo Memorial Trophy”
Impala trailing 3-22 in the first half
The Gazelles started off lukewarm, giving up field position easily through poor back three fielding. They were soon punished. Nondies forward power came ablaze in the 2nd minute. A Nigel Waweru try scored off a maul drive was the first taunt. His fly half, Brian Beckham failed to convert leaving the score 5-0. The Red Lion pressure was on leading a Pius Shiundu being shown yellow for a high tackle.
Nondies capitalized on the digit deficit and a minute later, Waweru scored off another push over. Beckham failed to find the posts yet again. 10-0 Nondies. In the 25thminute, Nondies scrumhalf, Musili Kyalo picked out a blindside overlap from a 5 metre scrum. His flat pass opened up Were Kevin for an easy corner flag try. Beckham failed to convert this too. 15-0 Nondies.
Just 10 minutes to the end of the half, Calvins Biko tore through Impala defence, but the referee denied him the try. Forward pass! Much to Impala’s relief. A clever line out throw by Impala hooker, Kelvins Kariuki set the platform for immense terrain gain by the Kenyan Sarries. A penalty opportunity opened up in the 37th minute. Okowa George’s boot didn’t falter. Impala 3 Nondies 15.
A minute to half time, Nondies set up another maul attack, recording their third try off a maul drive, thereby recording a four-try bonus point. Beckham’s kicking came alive for a 3-22 register at half time.
Kanyiri out, Nyandigisi in, Quinto out, Oliech in
At the break, the Resolution Insurance backed side changed the pivot from Kanyiri Kariuki to Anthony Nyandigisi and at the 45 minute mark re-jigged the back three. Samuel Oliech replaced Quinto Ongo, and went to fullback, while Shiundu moved to the openside wing. This paid off handsomely.
At 51 minutes, Oliech collected a Nondies punt, took it into contact, Okowa secured the ruck. Scrumhalf Onsomu played a quick one to Shiundu who rain straight into and through Nondies defence! Try time Impala! Oliech didn’t disappoint with the conversion. 10-22 Nondies.
Energized by Shiundu’s try, Impala pitched tent in Nondies 22. From a dominant Impala scrum, Onsomu whippeg long to Nyandigisi who took the ball u, changed angle, dummy – switch and pop to Oliech in at pace, to score the try. Try time Impala! Oliech converted his own to bring the Gazelles to within a score. Impala 17 Nondies 22.
Impala should have never allowed Nondies into their territory. Beckham didn’t hesitate to stretch the trail to 17-25 after a penalty in the 63rd minute. Impala would need Nyandigisi’s spiral kick from a penalty. He would send the ball deep into Nondies territory, forcing a line out. The subsequent push over try by Dinda would be converted by an on – form Oliech boot, expertly struck from the far left. The score sheet now read Impala 24 Nondies 25 with Impala fans delirious.
76th Minute: No try for Impala! Forward Pass!
A spirited Shiundu run beat two Nondies defenders and with one more to beat, he curved outside and played in the supporting Oliech for a free run to the line… Forward pass! Scrum down Nondies. Impala fans were in shock….
Scrumhalf Kariuki Mugo extinguishes the comeback fire
Impala turned over the ensuing scrum. 8th man Joel Omer dug deep, driving further into Nondies 5. Scrumhalf, Kariuki Mugo who had just replaced Onsomu was unlucky to knock it on. Referee Constant Cap’s unforgiving whistle rent the air. Nondies managed to sneak a win. The Samson ‘Chums’ Odhiambo Memorial trophy was on its way back to the Red Lion.
Full time: Resolution Impala Saracens 24-25 Total Nondies.
