Sliding moments are those decisions that influence an outcome of a match. The ‘what if’ moment if the pass was executed just in time then a try was scored, what if the conversion went in then the score line would be different. These are the moments that get us out of our houses on Saturdays to come cheer impala on as the players put their bodies on the line. I had a recap of the concluded season and these moments really stood out for me…
1. Impala vs Kabras (Enterprise cup semis)
For those who didn’t travel with the team, you probably heard about this wholesome performance by the boys. It went down to the wire. The score 16-15 Kabras ahead and from the ensuing kickoff the Gazelles are awarded a penalty. Mohammed Omollo is courageous enough to attempt finding the posts. He’s been sharp with his boot all game, but his kick from 35 metres out is driven wide. Against the run of play, still in Kabras territory the Gazelles get another penalty this time Quinto Ongo steps up to try kick Kabras out of the Enterprise Cup finals. His kicking stats are statement enough, but on this particular afternoon, he cannot find the key to unschackling Impala out of the 1 point hold of Kabras. Game ends 16-15 & Kabras dump Impala yet again but those kicks surely would have changed the outcome on the day only if they could have gone in.
2. Impala vs Nakuru (Nakuru 10s)
The Plate Final contest between two teams who otherwise would be meeting in a Cup Final (but it was a worthy curtain raiser for the finals). It does live up to the hype. After Impala soaking in pressure from a Nakuru attack deep from their territory, the Gazelles recover the ball and on first phase Kerre breaks away and charges into the try zone but as he is just about to ground it he loses control and spills it. Another ‘what if’ moment that would have changed the outcome on the day, Nakuru went on to win 10-0 but what could have changed had Kerre grounded that ball?
3. Impala vs KCB (ESS finals)
On course for a three-peat the resurgent KCB Cubs stood on the path of the Boks. The score is 13-12. The Resolution Impala Saracens Boks are ahead. Something unusual is happening deep in Impala half. The Cubs get a penalty. They opt to go for points. Bonab Were steps up and sends the ball flying wide from the right handside side of the pitch. The Boks gather the ball and from the ensuing 22-dropout they concede another penalty this time right in front of the posts. Bonab shows interest in trying to deny the Boks a three-peat record. The Boks are now feeling the ‘malaria’. But Bonab’s kick goes wide once more. The Boks manage to hold on to the ball and secure the three-peat.
4. Impala vs Homeboyz (Mwamba cup quarters)
Fresh off winning the 2016-17 ESS league, the next opponents for the Boks are the deejayz who with a beefed up squad manage to get the Boks chasing the game. The Boks need a converted try to win. Scrum down five meters out and as it had been known the scrum was a powerful attacking platform for Impala all season. The fans are expecting a pushover try to snatch the game at death but from the ensuing scrum Matthew Mtalaheri picks the ball and tries to get it over the line, the deejays manage to turn over the ball and scramble it away to safety. The deejayz hold out to win the game 19-14.
These moments amongst others are ones that infected the fans with ‘malaria’ and it was quite evidently felt across the board by the players, technical bench as well as fans. But these are the moments that make us feel the vibe and energy associated with watching rugby. I urge us all to turn up in numbers and show our support to the boys as they put their best foot forward. As the boys prepare for next season, I wish them the best in the upcoming sevens season.
Written by: Tyson Okoth.
Tyson Okoth is a loose forward at Resolution Impala Saracens.