KCB RFC celebrates after winning the 2015 Impala Floodlit tournament on October 31. PHOTO/ COURTESY.
NAIROBI, October 31 – KCB RFC successfully defended the Impala Floodlit tournament after rallying from behind to stop hosts Impala 26-14 in a pulsating final on Saturday.
In the University competition, USIU beat Strathmore 30-20 to list the title while in the schools category, Laiser Hill Academy were 24-7 winners over Ofafa Jericho to retain the trophy.
KCB who entered as favorites, saw Kenya 15s fly half Kenny Andola make his debut after completing the move from Strathmore Leos and his presence was felt as the Lions trailed 13-14 at the interval.
Impala who were seeking to end a five year trophy drought, started brightly, forcing KCB to concede a scrum after winger, Kevin Ochami broke through.
Impala’s lock Paul Oimbo then send his side ahead when he touched down near the uprights for full back Sammy Oliech to convert.
KCB could have reduced the deficit when they were awarded a penalty but Andola missed the 40 yard kick.
Moments later, fullback Darwin Mukidza gave Curtis Olago charges the three points after he converted a penalty to make it 7-3 but Impala extended the lead through lock, Eric Kere who touched down after an inside pass from centre Sammy Motari as Oliech kick went through.
At the half hour mark, Mukidza’s conversion from a penalty was good while Oliech missed his five minutes later to inspire the Lions who closed the gap courtesy of Eli Mukaizi’s converted try from the scrum for a 14-13 scoreline at the interval.
KCB resumed a resurgent side and within two minutes, they were awarded a penalty that was well taken by Mukidza to enable the Bankers take the lead.
Impala got a major blow when Robert Aringo was sin-binned for tackling Mukidza in the air to give Olago charges an upper hand as they surged forward.
Kenya 7s skipper, Andrew Amonde maximized the opportunity when he touched down at the left corner from a scrum pushover move that emanated from the penalty.
Mukidza’s conversion was wide as KCB opened a six point gap with a quarter an hour to the final whistle.
Mukidza was at it again with a scrum try to take the scores to 14-26 in the Lions favour but he missed the conversion as they managed to hold on for the win that saw them clinch their fifth crown.
