After running over Kenyatta University’s BlakBlad last weekend, the Impala Saracens were made to earn their keep today. It looked like a mismatch of sorts on paper. Going into the match, Situma’s charges were at 7th position. Machine were within the bottom 3. Twelfth in particular, a precarious position to be in. Relegation loomed for Machine, and for Impala, booking a playoff ticket a much needed necessity.
Machine came into the match stolid and obstinate. Their water tight defence, grew even more retardant as the match proceeded. Impala on the other hand needed the composure and patience to exploit Machine’s mistakes. Machine fullback, Daniel Mubea after securing a neat catch, booted back. After pocketing Mubea’s kick, Nyandigisi launched a kick that landed into Simeon Malaba’s hands. Everyone in the crowd expected Malaba to play football. He chose the pass option. Carlos Raoul’s hungry and prying eyes after assessing the situation went in for the steal; an intercept near Machine’s 10. All he had to do was stretch his legs to burn all the fuel for a 40 metre sprint! A 24th minute try that broke the deadlock. Oliech’s attempt at the goal posts was unlucky. The 27th minute defined teamwork and coordination. Scrumhalf Michael Mugo ripped the ball from ruck, transferred possession to fly half Antony Nyandigisi. Nyandigisi gained a couple of yards before offloading to Okowa. Okowa’s angle run pulled 3 of his defenders. His clever offload set up Joel Omer to dragging Machine’s Steve Makori all the way into the box. Oliech’s boot stayed at 0% for a 10-0 scoreboard register. Impala continued taunting Machine’s forwards and in the 31st minute, a crack appeared. Tyson Okoth’s line out steal set the platform for a maul. Okoth channeled to Omer. Oundu ripped it off Omer and delivered it to Okari who slapped the chalk. Oliech’s attempt at goal was successful this time. 17-0 Impala. 4 minutes later, Pius Shiundu was downshifting gears and throttling past the opponent backs. Oliech’s exertion at the posts failed yet again, closing the first half at 22-0 to Impala’s delight.
The first 16 minutes of the second half saw the resurgence of Machine’s tight defence. 17 minutes later, Pius Shiundu’s nimble feet flew past the line. Try Time Impala! Oliech’s right foot struck a neat kick for a 29-0 score. 11 minutes after Shiundu’s try, Paul Oimbo set platform for a pick and go. Obino, Waithumbi and Oundu picked in succession. Youngster Dan Ndome planted his boots, picked up from ruck, drove through Machine defence and dived into the area. Oliech missed the conversion. 34-0 Impala.
Loss of concentration, structure and discipline was vivid in the last 10 minutes. Machine’s Amaruforcefully went over in the 71st minute. His try was not successfully converted. Pius Shiundu’s hands were too quick for Njungi’s boot. He blocked the conversion. A repeat in loss of conduct at the 75th minute motivated the referee to award Machine a penalty, which Kevin Njungi did not fail to send through the posts.
Fulltime: Impala Saracens 34-8 Mean Machine Rfc
