NAIROBI, Sunday, January 19, 2014.
The Impala Saracens Gazelles continued winning ways with a 22-14 win over Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad at the varsity side’s Blad Bin, Kahawa.
As with much of the season, the Impala Saracens Gazelles were off the blocks early making five visits into the Blad red zone in the first quarter. They would, however, only lead 5-0 at half time. Tight lock Davis Makori, recently called up to the Kenya XVs Lions, scored a last quarter try from sustained forwards pressure.
Blad would also have to thank fullback Archie Kababi’s diffusing the Impala Saracens aerial threat for the low first stanza score. He fielded superbly and would get Blad out of various tricky situations with counter attacking runs.
After the break, Impala Saracens captain Nato Simiyu, converted a penalty from close range after a Blad offside infringement, to raise Impala Saracens lead to 8-0. Lock Elisha Otieno would later be sent to the sin bin for Blad’s continuous breakdown infringements.
The Red Shirts continued the momentum when from a long maul drive, Simiyu was right on the money with a delayed switch pass for former Blak Blad captain George Okowa, now Impala Saracens centre, to score just short of centre post. Simiyu’s conversion brought the scores to a 15-0 Impala Saracens lead.
Blad responded in short order when Rocky Aguko grounded from the back of a lineout maul. Impala Saracens were late to engage the maul providing the Kahawa side impetus to form a secure maul platform. Fly half Anthony Mbugua converted from a tight angle to bring Blad back into the game at 15-7.
Impala Saracens would further stretch the lead when, buoyed by tactical changes in the forwards and rampaging pick-drives, winger Richard Sidindi scored from a yawning overlap. Replacements, backrow Duncan Ekasi and prop Edgar Obino were at the centre of the forward action. Okowa converted for a 22-7 lead.
Sniffing a bonus point on the last play, occasioned by their last score, Impala Saracens run the restart possession from deep but gave away penalty possession on failure to release ball on the tackle. Aguko would eventually score his brace from a quick tap. Mbugua converted to bring decency to the scoreline at 22-14.
Young Impala Saracens lock Simon Muniafu, 18, ruled the lineout in both offence and defence. His dominance would have counted for much more should Impala Saracens have sorted its attacking maul which Blad gallantly defended.At that pace, Muniafu is emulating his legendary Kenya flanker father, Max Muniafu.
Meanwhile, the Impala Saracens Boks beat Blak Blad II 19-0, in the Eric Shirley Shield, after leading 5-0 at half time. Fullback Kevin Ouma, who switched to fly half in 2nd half, was outstanding, scoring a brace of tries in his latter position.
The Boks heavily dominated the forward proceedings with veteran tight lock Anthony Karembu in the engine room
Impala Saracens: Robert Kweya, Kelvins Karani, Ezekiel Chege, Davis Makori, Simon Muniafu, Erick Kopondo, John Ouko, Paul Oimbo, Michael Mugo, Nato Simiyu (c), Richard Sidindi, David Moenga, George Okowa, Lameck Dunde, Vincent Mose
Reserves: Duncan Ekasi, Edgar Obino, Solomon Mangwiro, Tyson Okoth, Anthony Oyugi, Anthony Matei, Anthony Nyandigisi, Quinto Odhiambo
Blak Blad: Kevin Wekesa, Dennis Abenga, Ezra Lagat, Elisha Otieno, Morgan Mudanyi, Steven Odhiambo, Rocky Aguko, Wesley Kidinga, Brian Kiprotich, Anthony Mbugua, Clain Okalo, Wesley Muranga, Rodney Odhiambo, Tom Gathua, Archie Kababi
Reserves: Boniface Ababu, Reuben Moegi, Benson Omwami, Hussein Yahya, Noah Nasib, Martin Mawira, Okiri Moturi
Centre Referee: Mwangi Karimi
