Turn to your neighbour and tell them…’Real Rugby is Back!’ And it made quite a return this past weekend at the annual Impala Floodlit tournament.
In it’s 35th edition, Floodies did not fail to live up to expectations, straight from the Universities category, where the Menengai Oilers claimed their first win in the fifteens version, beating a strong Strath II side, 34-27. There were also wins for USIU, CUEA Monks and Blak Blad.
The highlight from the school’s category, saw Lenana literally grab a win from the jaws of defeat, landing a last minute try to claim a 10-5 win over Mangu. The game was a literal tale of two halves with the Wazimba bossing proceedings in the first period, going into the break holding 5-0 lead.
Before the Mean Maroon started turning the knob, in the second half, making it 5-3 then scoring a converted try at the very death, to book a semi final berth.
It was however the club’s category that served up all the mouth watering action, Nakuru battling past a gritty Blak Blad, Quins leaving it late to see off Mwamba, then Impala brushing off a spirited Strathmore before defending champions KCB wiggled out of a tight spot against the Homeboyz.
So who were the stand out players in round 1, from the clubs’ category :
1. Dennis ‘Daddex’ Karani (Impala) – The Impala loose head had a great day at the set piece and gobbled up a significant amount of meters with ball in hand. He was the old head in the Impala front row, a unit he led with great effect. Others worth mention are Oscar Simiyu of KCB and John Okwara of Quins.
2. Peter Karia (KCB) – The ever dependable Karia was again on hand to guide his side to a hard fought win over Homeboyz. Karia went about his job description with great accuracy, especially at the line out. With a try to his name, he had an all round great show. Others stand outs in this position include his opposite number on the day Philip Ikambili and Daniel Ndome of Impala.
3. Curtis Lilako (KCB) – Lilako was a key pillar in the KCB forwards, dangerous with both ball in hand and on defence. His leadership could be seen especially when nothing was going their way. Isaiah Nyariki, Francis Akatu and Meshack Tunnechi of Nakuru, Mwamba and Impala respectively were the other stand outs from round 1.
4. Davis Makori (Impala) – The man they call ‘the scrum destroyer’ was once again key in Impala’s demolition of the Leos. Employed more as an enforcer and the scrum anchor, there are not many who can do a better job around. On Saturday, he was again at it, with good ground gained with ball in hand. Emmanuel Mavala and Felix Oloo of Nakuru were the other stand outs.
5. Oliver Mang’eni (KCB) – The Line out general, was again at it this past weekend. Oliver was superb at the line out for the Lions, up against a very formidable and tricky Homeboyz line out. He was the general in the line out, plucking a few off the Djs throw and doing well to destabilize them. His opposite number Andrew Chogo was the other stand out.
6. Steve Sikuta (Mwamba) – The young Sikuta was a constant thorn in the Quins flesh, though still not the finished product as to what a 6 should do, he does deserve this spot. His ball carrying was second to none and his work rate was right there with the best. Others in this were Charles Odongo of Nakuru and Andrew Amonde of KCB.
7. Brian Okwomi (Quins) – Okwomi was the stand out player in a rampant Quins side, he was virtually at every breakdown. His carry rate was also impressive as was his work off the ball. The other stand outs were Edwin Makori of Nakuru and Joel Omer of Impala.
8. Gabriel Adero (Strathmore) – The U19 captain, was the stand out player in a Strathmore side that sometimes looked out of depth against Impala. The young 8, played a superb role in a position not many young players can master especially at club level. His ball carrying was effective as was his management of the scrum ball. Dalmas Chituyi, Duncan Ekasi and Rocky Aguko were the other stand out number 8s.
9. Geoffrey Ominde (Nakuru) – The ‘stick figure’ of Ominde was the brains behind the Nakuru brawn. He controlled the game superbly off the hand and the boot, playing an imposing territorial game that always meant his forwards were on the front foot. He varied his distribution speed in accordance with his forwards meaning they played within their pace. Felix Wanjala and Victor Wayodi of Mwamba were the other stand outs.
10. Nato Simiyu (Impala) – The maestro picked up from where we last saw him, at the Kenya cup. His play was once again pivotal to the Impala backline, he was at the center of everything good that came off the side. Whether from the boot or with ball in hand, Nato was a constant threat and a joy to watch at the weekend. Shaban Ahmed and Kevin Masai were the other stand out players in a largely silent weekend for fly halves.
11. Ian Minjire (Impala) – The imposing Minji, was devastating from the blind wing, picking up beautiful running lines off Nato to cause the Strath defence all sorts of trouble. His aerial presence was also a constant threat on the high ball, it was clear to see that his time in Germany added a new dimension to his play.
12. Max Kang’eri (Homeboyz) – Probably the stand out player of the weekend. Max came with a point to prove against KCB. His ball carrying was impressive, his defence, solid. Kang’eri finally realised the potential he has shown for quite some time. He was imposing at every turn, picking up a leadership role in the absence of his fellow sevens lads. To wrap it all up, that try! David Ambunya of Quins was the other stand out in this position.
13. Dennis Muhanji (Quins) – Muhanji was brilliant for Quins in the unfamiliar number 13 shirt, his line breaks tally were into the double digits. His partnership with Ambunya was key in Quins’ campaign against a solid Mwamba side. Anthony Nyandigisi was another stand out here.
14. Quinto Ongo (Impala) – Ongo was in sparkling form on the outside wing for the Sarries. He benefited from the beautiful work that had been done further up the field and did his job of putting the icing on the cake with great perfection. Collins Shikholi was the other stand out winger at the weekend.
15. Darwin Mukidza (KCB) – He should probably change his name to Darwin ‘Man of the Match’ Mukidza, his collection of MoTM trophies grew at the weekend after rightfully picking the accolade after the Homeboyz game. Having started at 15, Mukidza found himself in the unfamiliar 10 position, after an injury to Andola. He however still managed to make his mark, against a formidable Homeboyz side. If it were not Darwin, it would have been Sammy Oliech who had a super run out that was halted by an injury scare.
That is it folks, who makes your dream XV from the Floodies quarter final weekend?
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!!
