Two tries, from returning veteran fly half Nato Simiyu and tight lock Davis Makori, including a penalty conversion from George Okowa, as well as a late rally at the end, were not enough to beat Kabras Sugar at The Bull Ring in Kakamega.
The match started with the Sarries exerting all the pressure but not getting on the board for much of the effort. “Winning these high pressure matches is about closing the chances created,” said Impala Direc…tor of Rugby Fred Ollows.
“Of the five times we visited the Kabras 22 in early first half, we scored only once – Okowa’s three points. We’ll have to raise that strike rate. We have the ability”
Fullback Jones Kubu answered Okowa’s penalty, just before half time, with a corner flag try. Centre Fabian Olando converted from the corner to delirious cheer from the passionate support.
In second half, Kabras would score two tries, through left wing Beda Aluda and captain Max Adaka, before Simiyu attacked the blindside from a scrum, played in centre Bill Omondi, whose return pass he grounded at the corner. Okowa missed the conversion to leave the score at 17-8.
Aluda would score his try brace before Makori’s rampaging run narrowed the score to 22-10. An offside press from Impala backline defence gifted Kabras a penalty which flyhalf Jasper Onen converted to extend the score to 25-13.
The Resolution Insurance backed side would then begin their final push to rescue a point from the Kakamega trip. Kabras then resorted to a series of infringements finally punished by a yellow card from referee Mwangi Karimi.
The multiphase attack ended in Karimi judge tighthead Meshack Tunechi as held up, in the try box, as Impala players motioned for a TMO reference. 25-13, full time.
The Ngong Road side next face Nondescripts RUFC at The Red Lion, Jamhuri Park. Impala is now second on the league log, following Kenya Harlequin FC, on 70 points.
