The Standard Chartered Impala Saracens Academy were unlucky this weekend. Their opponents, Eldoret RFC opted to display free flowing rugby, while the hosts stuck to systems. Much to Eldoret’s advantage.
The match which started on quick tempo saw even early exchanges. An opening came in the 14th minute. The Impala Bucks were first to score through a Kevin Atuke try. Ian Mabwa’s attempt at finding the posts was wide. The score board would read 5-0 until the 23rd minute. Patrick Mutuku’s brute strength then bore fruit.
Mutuku was set up by captain Ian Mabwa. His bolstering run and a low body position run over his defender to score got Impala fans on their feet. Mabwa converted to get the scoreboard ticking, 12-0 Impala. Just 10 minutes before going to the drinks, Kevin Aoge, Eldoret’s scrumhalf pranced into Impala’s box. Former Mwamba full back, Jeremy Chimwani’s attempt at getting the extras was off mark.
Half Time: Standard Chartered Impala Saracens Rugby Academy 12-5 Eldoret Rfc
The Global Saracens Network linked Academy then buckled under pressure to concede another 15 unanswered points.
In the 50th minute, breakdown indiscipline got Eldoret a penalty. Chimwani’s experienced boot did not falter. Eldoret was closing in. 12-8, Impala. Loss of concentration and poor fielding would haunt Impala’s youngsters. Eldoret’s blindside winger James Nyaa would in the 67th minute extinguish Impala’s lead. The try from his scorching run and Chimwani’s conversion handed the Rift Valley lads their first lead of the match. 15-12, Eldoret.
Nyaa would blast over the chalk in the 76th minute for his brace. Aoge, however, failed to convert his try. A 20-12 Eldoret score would move the young Sarries into a two score deficit . 3 minutes later, Atuke would then retrieve a high kick, dance through Eldoret defence, and drag a defender over the whitewash.
Impala then bravely opted not to take the conversion and chanced on attacking the Eldoret restart. Sadly, the referee construed that the Standard Chartered partnered side had foregone their final play and ended the match. The Impala Academy was officially out of the Nationwide title chase.
“Even though we’d have been happier with a win, this was a good hunt. Many of these players don’t even have their KCSE result slips! We will strengthen the Academy even further and be back, next season,” said Oduor Gangla, the Impala Saracens chairman.
Full Time: Standard Chartered Impala Saracens Rugby Academy 17-20 Eldoret RFC
