In a match characterized by immense physicality and intense running, the Impala Saracens lost yet another Chairman’s Cup Match. Impala began the match on a high after Mabor Jannaphille regained possession after Mohammed Omolo kicked off. it wasn’t long before Impala capitalized on a scrum down in own half. Scrumhalf Lwangu made a dive pass to Omolo. Omolo pulled in two defenders and passed the ball to Centre Billy Odhiambo. Odhiambo’s superb power run saw him touch down at the 4th minute. Omolo’s boot was on point, making the scores 7-0 Impala. The bugle had been sounded. and Kabras Sugar led by Centre Aluda Beda took the fight to the Impala half. Uniquely fluid was the Kabras backline play. it forced fullback Frank Breen to make numerous try saving tackles in order to cover for lack of mobility by his forwards. This lax in mobility would create a 7 on 3 overlap in favor of Kabras who replied with a try through a blistering Malik Habil angle run. Habil created just enough space for Ian Mukanzi to get the score board reading 7-5. Aluda Beda leveled the scores when his conversion struck high and neat over the bar. Impala showed all promise in possession and attack only to have it turned over a couple of times. Kabras utilized the slightest chance they had on the ball. A Breen kick failed to find touch and instead landed on Aluda Beda’s hands. Aluda took on Impala Winger Hassan Nyakundi and side stepped him on his way to propelling the Kabras points score. He converted his try to stretch the Kabras lead to 7-14 at half time.
The Impala Saracens technical bench made changes at the start of the second half. Lagat came in for Lwangu and assumed flyhalf duties, Mohammed moved to scrumhalf. This change however came with equal measure of disadvantage. Lagat would often choose to take the ball into contact, starving the entire Impala backline the chance to express itself. The ball would then be kicked from end to end before Impala solidified possession, forcing Kabras to concede a penalty which was easily converted by Lagat. 10- 14 Kabras. A poor ball handling spree by Wekesa necessitated his substitution, and in his place entered Sidney Obiero.
Kabras’ substitution of eighth man Robert Ong’aro for former Kenya international Ken Isindu was spot on. He came in to terrorize. With a number of 8th man picks he finally created a platform from which centre Ian Mukanzi went over the Impala try line in the 62nd minute. Aluda Beda’s boot was sure to stretching the Kabras lead to 21-10.
Spectators and the Impala technical bench would then decry foul play. Referee Edward Mbugua failed to card Okaron Oscar of Kabras for tackling Mohammed Omolo in midair. The final minutes of the half would be characterized by a resurgent Impala Saracens. A second Chairman’s cup loss was imminent. But what happens when the referee denies you two crucial penalties and offers Kabras another penalty in the 76th minute to close the game at 24-10?