Impala off to threatening start but Quins counter
Derek Mayar’s try, successfully converted by Mohammed Omollo placed the Gazelles in a good starting position.
The lead would however be cancelled by Quins winger – Pius Shiundu who burnt through 30 metres to score under the posts. Kevin Keegan converted to level scores.
Quins’ outside center – Frank Wanyama spotted dog-legs in Impala’s defence and cut through 3 tackles enroute to scoring. Keegan’s boot failed to earn Quins the extras.
Quins lock – Tony Mutai would register his name on the try scorers sheet. Keegan’s success with the boot plotted a 7-19 scoreline on the board in Quins’ favor.
RESOLUTION Impala Saracens centre – Samuel Motari blasted through Quins’ Tony Mutai & Isaac Adimo before dotting at the stroke of half time. Omollo’s right foot ensured a 14-19 Impala trail as centre referee – Constant Cap blew it at the 40 minute mark.
Onsomu scores. Sidindi scores, but too little too late
Quins who were playing at home were first to score in the 2nd half using the rolling maul through flanker – Edward Shitanda. Keegan struggled to find the extras.
Quins, who enjoyed the best of possession in the first half seemed to let Impala control the proceedings in the first 20 minutes of the second half. Carries by Duncan Ekasi, Edgar Obino & Davis Makori signalled danger. It was not long before the visitors showed intent of getting back to the match. Scrumhalf Samson Onsomu’s run of courage through Quins forwards and speeding past Lyle Asiligwa got the RFUEA pumping with chants. Only a try separated the two arch-rivals.
Understanding their strengths, Quins forced Impala to stay on the backfoot. A line out in Impala territory and subsequent maul ended at the try box. Frank Khalwale claiming the dotting honors. Keegan converted, stretching the score line to 19-31. Quins in the lead.
Impala could have soaked in another try, but the keen eye of assistant referee Mwangi Karimi spotted Quin infringement in contact and disallowed Herman Humwa’s would-be try.
After an afternoon of booting, Keegan pinned his name on the try scorers-sheet but failed to convert his own.
RESOLUTION Impala winger – Richard Sidindi came on from the bench to score at the 80th minute. His try, although neatly converted by George Okowa did just as much to secure bragging rights for the Gazelles as the match closed 26-36 in favor of the noisy neighbours