Semi Finals Weekend At Floodies

The 32nd edition of the Impala Floodlits kicked off last weekend with 10 matches on the card across three categories, the schools, universities and clubs.

Action from KCB vs Strathmore

In the schools Ofafa Jericho beat Lenana 18-3 at the RFUEA grounds in the highlight result of the category. In the other pre semi final fixture Makini beat MFA 12-7. Makini will meet Alliance high school in the first semi final at lunch time with Ofafa taking on the defending champions Mangu in the second semi.

In the universities category defending champions USIU blew past MMU 44-0 to book a semi final berth against the Catulus of Strathmore who struggled to a 18-10 victory over JKUAT. The other semi final will see Blak blad take on Catholic University, Blad beat Machine II to book that spot with CUEA edging out TUK 11-10.

The club category saw four fixtures that served up everything from totally one sided encounters to on the edge last minute action. First up was hosts Impala who got over a shaky start against neighbours Homeboyz to register a resounding 41-19  win. That match saw the return of the prodigal son Dennis 'Daddex' Karani to Impala after 2 seasons at Quins. Impala were dominant at the forwards and with Nato at 10 they gave the Djs little in terms of ground.

The second match was even more one sided as defending champions Nondies ran 31-5 winners over Mwamba. The young black shirts side never turned up for the contest as the rangers constantly ran rings around them. The combination of Derrick Wamalwa, Ronnie Mwenesi, Ben Nyambu and Cedric Odera too much for the lighter Kulabu pack.

In the third encounter a second string Nakuru side gave a good showing before going down 24-15 to the most successful side in Floodlit history, Mean Machine who were dawning their new shirts. As this match was going on, the main Nakuru side were busy beating the MTN Heathens of Uganda 23-3 at the NAC in the first leg of the supremacy cup. This weekend the two will meet in Kampala to determine who rules the region.

The final encounter lived up to every inch of its billing as Strathmore took on KCB. The green lions handed one of the Artur brothers Elphas Otieno (formerly of Kisumu RFC) a starting debut at 15 alongside Steve Matioli from Homeboyz, Ken Moseti and Perminus Macharia pairing up at centre with Allan Omuka from Quins settling for an introduction from the bench. The Leos were largely unchanged from last season, only notable addition to their squad came in the technical bench with Tito Oduk assisting long serving Mitch Ocholla.

The lions in blue were quicker off the blocks, with a converted try inside the first 10 minutes as they put together quick phases to lead 7-0. Strathmore looked ready to match KCB's physicality, not shying away from contesting possession at the breakdowns, defending resolutely and challenging KCB with ball in hand. The green lions were shaken, before Max Adaka went over to reduce the deficit to two poinst at 7-5.

Strathmore would stretch that lead through Tony Onyango's converted try just before the break to make it 14-5. The Leos had played a great first half, ruffling their opponents in all facets of play. This was not the Leos side that shied away from contact and with some big boys in their ranks they were willing and happy to take the physical route.

Second half saw Allan Omuka introduced for KCB perhaps to handle Cyprian Kuto. His impact was almost immediate as he broke through several tackles before being stopped short of the line. KCB had come out with all guns blazing in the second half, and were quickly repaid, Max Adaka completing his brace with Oliver Mangeni going over soon after to make it 14-15 to KCB.

An Andola penalty saw the Leos retake the lead briefly at 17-15, before Dennis Mwanja scored at the death to hand his side a 22-17 win after a successful conversion. It was a match fit for any final, in fact it was dubbed in many quarters as the final. It was by a mile the best fifteens match I have seen in a long while. The Leos will have nothing to be ashamed of, they played a great match and if it is anything to go by, I cant wait for Kenya Cup.

Dennis Mwanja going over for the win.

This weekend, Mean Machine will battle it out against defending champions Nondies in the first semi final, this will be a replay of last year's final. Nondies were 17-12 winners in that one after Sudden death, and if that match is anything to go by this will be an explosive encounter. Machine will have revenge on their minds as they look to grab Floodies title number 10. The white shirts on their part will be looking to confirm their dominance as they look for their third title in the tournament.

Last year Nondies' looked to slow down the pace of the game, to suit their forwards with Machine putting quick phases together swinging the ball from touch line to the other. It will again be an emotional encounter for the former Machine lads who have moved on to Nondies led by fly half Fielden Sinei.

The second semi final will see hosts Impala take on KCB at 7:30 pm, this will definitely be a battle of the forwards with a special attention on the front row where Moses Amusala, George Asin and Curtis Lilako of KCB will be taking on the Karani brothers and Duncan Mwangi in the Red Shirts. It will also be interesting to see the battle at the backs with Nato Simiyu marshalling his troops against those of Steve Matioli. This promises to be another cracker as the sides look to make it to the final.

Collated Semi Final Fixtures 

Schools :
Makini vs Allaince (1:00 pm, RFUEA)
Ofafa vs Mangu (2:20 pm, Impala Club)

Universities :
Blakblad vs Catholic Uni (11:00 am, RFUEA)
Strathmore II vs USIU (3:30 PM, Impala Club)

Clubs:
Mean Machine vs Nondies (6:00 pm, Impala Club)
Impala vs KCB (7:30 pm, Impala Club)

With that ladies and gents...do enjoy your long weekend ahead aaaaannnnnnddddd.......


KWISHA....Nimeruka Nje!!!