KCB RC were crowned the 2018 Impala Floodlit Tournament Champions for the second year running. The bankers narrowly edged out hosts Resolution Impala Saracens 20-18 at the Impala Grounds on the 27th of October 2018.
Four minutes into the match, KCB’s scrum half landed the Bankers’ first try of the match but the conversion sailed wide. Barely ten minutes later, Asati’s counterpart in the Kenya Under 20 team, Xavier Kipng’etich leveled up the scores as he dotted down a try for the Sarries. His attempt at the conversion sailed wide.
Impala’s attacking pace saw them settle in the opponents territory, they sent the ball wide to land in Quinto Ongo’s hands who dashed for the corner post try. Impala now lead 10-5, Kipng’etich’s conversion attempt was wide. With a few minutes to the stroke of half time, KCB landed their second try with their signature maul through Prop Oscar Sorano. Scores at half time were 10-10.
Second half saw the hosts land a try and one successfully converted penalty while KCB landed one converted try and a drilled in a penalty. KCB’s Captain Rocky Aguko’s line break propelled KCB’s scores to 17 – 10 as he off loaded to the eventual MVP Francis Mwita to score the third try for his side with Stephen Osumba converting. An infringement by KCB’s Brian Omondi saw him sent to the sinners chair, Impala maximizing on the penalty drilled in three points through Xavier Kipng’etich narrowing the gap to 17-13. Twenty minutes later, Impala took the lead as they scored their third try through Kenya Under20 prop Joshua Matasi. Impala’s lead was quickly snatched by the Bankers as they opted for three points 40m off the try line. As Shaban Ahmed’s kick climbed and split the posts, you could here the KCB fans cheers as the Bankers were in the driving seat once more.
At the restart, a KCB obstruction was called by the referee giving Impala the last play opportunity to win the Floodies 2018 trophy but Bernard Rotich’s kick went wide handing KCB the trophy for the second year running and the seventh in total: 2005, 2007, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and now 2018
The plate final saw Kenya Harlequins deny Stanbic Mwamba the opportunity to win any silverware as they beat them 28-6. Mean Machine were crowned the Impala Floodlights Varsity Champions as they beat USIU 12-9. The school’s final saw Ofafa Jericho lift the trophy as they edged Alliance High School 5-3.
The Black Lion’s bagged the Women’s Category Trophy as they beat Ngong Fry 25-10.
Focus now shifts to Kenya Cup which kicks off in three weeks.
