KCB, Kabras Sugar back to winning ways

Nakuru's Coleman Were is tackled by Impala Saracen's Paul Mutsami during their Kenya Cup match played on January 2, 2016 at Impala Club. Impala won 28-19. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Impala Saracens beat Nakuru again 28-15 to uphold their Kenya Cup table lead on a weekend that saw champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Kabras Sugar rediscover their winning ways.

Impala, who had beaten the Great Rift side 26-18 in the first leg, continued with their sterling evolution with stand-out open play and defence to silence Wanyores.

Open side flanker Paul Mutsami was devastating with his skilful play as he scored one of Impala’s three tries and set up winger Samuel Motari to also cross the line in a match played at Impala Sports Club.

Fly-half Nato Simiyu’s experienced hand was also felt as he completed full-back Samuel Oliech’s move with a scintillating long range equalising try.

Impala though started cagily when the mobile Nakuru side scored first through second-row Philip Owuor. Good territorial kicking from Nato had Impala regain their confidence and act together as he went for the kill before Oliech converted to lead 7-5 at the break.

Nakuru would regain the lead at 10-7 when second-row Edwin Makori scored but Mutsami cancelled the try for Impala before Motari’s five points stretched their lead to 17-10.

IMMENSE PRESSURE

The relentless Impala put Nakuru under immense pressure to get four penalties that Oliech curled over for a 29-10 lead.

Substitute Martin Owila scored a late try for Nakuru, but it was too little too late as they suffered their third loss of the season.

Impala now have 35 points drawn from seven wins and one defeat while Nakuru slumped one place to fifth on 25 points.

“We were a bit nervous at the start since we had never beaten Nakuru twice in a row before,” said Impala’s director of coaching Fred Ollows.”
Our confidence grew with good kicking from Oliech and Nato.”

IMPROVED TALLY

Quins stayed second in the log but improved their tally to 32 points after they thrashed Kenyatta University’s Blak Blak 53-8 at the student’s home turf.

KCB also upheld their third position after they bounced from their 14-20 loss to Quins to beat Mwamba 27-10 at the Railway Club, Nairobi. The bankers have 30 points from five wins, two losses and a draw.