14

Aug

Impala Saracens just short of bronze in Dala

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!

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…

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.

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.