All Set For Floodies Grand Finale

After two weeks of action, it is all set for the final weekend at the 32nd edition of the Impala Floodlits. We will definitely be crowning two new champions out of the three categories on offer, as USIU and Mangu defending champions in the University and Schools category fell by the wayside at the semi final stage. Only Nondies in the club category stand a chance of defending the title they lifted here last year.

In the Schools category, Ofafa Jericho stunned defending champions 8-3 after extra time to book their first ever final at the floodies. The match was finely poised at 3 all at the half time break a score line that would be maintained through out the second half as both sides failed to make most of their opportunities, Ofafa the biggest culprit here. They would however grab their first sniff at the line in the first half of extra time to seal the 8-3 win.

Action from Ofafa vs Mangu

Ofafa will now meet Alliance who had an easier time dispatching Makini 30-7 in the first semi final. Alliance will probably go into this final as favourites but will be wary of this OJ side that has so far dismissed the two finalists from last year in Lenana and Mangu to get here.

In the universities category the Catulus of Strathmore got past a shaky first half where they led 10-5 before turning on the style in the second half to dismiss defending champions 32-5 to book a final berth. The Catulus will now meet Blakblad who made it to this final by the skin of their teeth with a 18-17 win over the CUEA Monks in the first semi final.

Usiu vs Catulus

This is bound to be a great final with no clear favourite though Blad's experience in the Kenya Cup should give them an edge over their opponents.

In the clubs category, Nondies made easy work of last year's finalists Mean Machine, beating them 30-0, this the side that stretched them to sudden death in that final. In Machine's defence, this was not the same side from last year but that score line just showed how far back the Eschuma have gone since last year. The contest in this semi final as the next one, was however diluted by the rains and it was down to who had better handling.

The second semi final was more of a contest and was what most expected, a battle of the forwards. Impala had the upper hand in the scrums, for large parts of the match. It is not everyday that you see a side opt for a scrum from a penalty within strike range against KCB. The tight five of the Karanis, Duncan Mwangi, Paul Oimbo and Davis Makori had a great day in the scrums, they however could not translate this into other facets of play.

Impala were first off the blocks, George Okowa with a penalty to hand the hosts a 3-0 lead. Bonab Were failed to level the scores from a penalty immediately after but KCB would take the lead through Dennis Mwanja at 5-3. Nato Simiyu would hand his side the lead for the last time just before the break from a penalty to make it 5-6. Bonab Were would ensure that his side took a narrow 8-6 lead into the break from a penalty.

KCB vs Impala (Photo - Impalarugby.com)

The second half would see the rains that had persisted through the first half fizzle out as KCB built on their lead, putting together great phases of play with Oliver Mangeni going over from a maul to make it 13-6. Despite the red shirts' best efforts the lions held their fort resolutely before Max Adaka took the score beyond doubt with an unconverted try for a 18-6 final score.

Impala will draw a lot of positives from this encounter, especially at the forwards, as mentioned earlier their scrums were almost perfect. A little work on the other set pieces and they will have a formidable platform to challenge any side in the upcoming season.

It will be the battle of the lions in the final, the red one chasing it's fourth title, the green one going for it's third triumph here after wins in 2005 and 2007. This will be a replay of last year's quarter final match where Nondies edged KCB 21-18.

Another titanic battle of the forwards is expected on Saturday, with Derrick Wamalwa leading his forwards against an all too familiar foe in KCB. The bankers will have to work on their scrummaging, a major let down in the semi final. To their credit, their line outs were faultless, and they will be hoping to get their play to such standards as when they face the rangers.

It could be said that Nondies are yet to be really challenged in this tournament, big wins over Mwamba and Machine have seen them take the 'easier' route to the final. KCB on their part had to battle past a spirited Strathmore side then get past the hosts to make it here.

This match will pit probably two of the most hard working, tough tackling and ball fetching back rows in Ben Nyambu and Max Adaka. The stout number 8's will be out to raffle the opposite's set plays at any given chance. It is one of those matches that you would wish the backs were handed a break and just let the forwards plough into each other.

Max vs Ben

Unfortunately this will not happen on Saturday, Filden Sinei will look to marshall his backs against a rejuvinated KCB back line. The likes of Teddy Salano and Peter Lugano will be instrumental for the Rangers. On the opposite side the back three pairing of Allan Omuka, Kingsley Litali and Elphas Otieno is bound to cause problems.

Moses Amusala has been in inspiring form for KCB in open play, he would need to be in the same fray this Saturday as he comes up against a formidable Nondies side. Derrick Wamalwa on his opposite side will definitely not be willing to give an inch.

This match will be preceded by the third place play off between Impala and Machine, a replay of one of last year's semi final where Machine beat Impala. The red shirts will be favourites to clinch third spot this year perhaps a consolation from last year's humiliation at the same stage at the hands of Nakuru.

It promises to be an action packed weekend, with the balance in schools rugby set to be upset, if it has not already been. The Catulus taking on Blad, Machine battling Impala and KCB taking on Nondies. Unmissable action from across the board.

Collated Semi Final Results

Schools:
Makini 7-30 Alliance
Ofafa 8-3 Mangu

Universities:
Cuea 17-18 BlakBlad
Strathmore II 32-5 USIU

Clubs:
Machine 0-30 Nondies
KCB 18-6 Impala

Final Fixtures

Schools:
Ofafa vs Allaince

Universities:
Strathmore II vs BlakBlad

Clubs:
Machine vs Impala (3rd Place Play Off)
KCB vs Nondies


KWISHA....Nimeruka Nje!!!

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