‘The Standard Charted Impala Saracens Rugby Academy recorded laudable performance this past weekend. The team, having been stripped of ‘core’ players, who are currently serving the National Under 19 team, went ahead to take on established opponents with confidence’
The boys were not quick to settle in play on their first match, coming under a heavy barrage that is Comras, an Eastlands based team with a massive pool of players on rotation. The 26-14 loss meant a change in tact had to be implemented in the next match.
It was highly expected that the Kenya u18 team would run dozens of tries over the Standard Chartered sponsored side. This was however not to become true as the boys rallied from 17-0 behind to close the match at 15-17. Had the youngsters won this match, hopes for qualification to the Main Cup Quarters would have been revived.
After starting off the blocks at pace, with Spencer Obiero’s eyes and magical hands in control, the Academy boys had the score board reading 7-7 at half time. It was only late in the second half when fatigue creeped in. A couple of missed tackles and poor possession heavily cost the surprisingly youthful unit. A 7-17 full time score meant a drop to the Bowl Quarters.
Spirited fighting in a battle filled by massive tackles and an unimaginable streak of pace awaited in the Bowl Quarters. It is worth noting that the last time Nondies went against Impala, the DHL sponsored side took away the Memorial ‘Chums’ trophy, in our own home turf, under our conditions: bright floodlights. These young men will be remembered for turning an almost 12-0 loss to a convincing 14-12 win over the soon to be Red Lion enthusiasts.
The team which was under the watchful eye of coach Tom Lagat will have to spend a couple more hours learning how to subdue opponents within the first 7 minutes. Trailing 7-12 by the half time buzzer, the boys struggled to play catch up, luckily levelling the scores to 12-12, 2 minutes to the full time whistle. This was signal enough to send the match to extra time. A slight lapse in concentration and a missed tackle saw Ofafa Jericho score at the corner in the last minute. The 12-17 loss to Ofafa Jericho successfully dimmed silverware rays but did not at all work in any way to dim the Impala spirit.
