End of the Drought: Menengai Oilers Secure First Floodlit Title

The Floodlit 2024 final saw Menengai Oilers make history with their first final win. This wasn't just any win; it was a commanding statement. Oilers dismantled Impala RF`C 42-3 at the Impala Club. Their commitment, skill, and the pure ambition guided the club during their incredible journey from contenders to becoming champions.

Menengai Oilers asked the right questions in the Floodlit final - relentless pressure, dynamic play, and tactical understanding that Impala RFC were not able to answer. It took a little while for the Oilers to test Impala's defense, and they were forced to regroup under pressure. Impala initiated the match with promise, with Quinto Ongo presented with an early scoring opportunity. However, he was unable to capitalize on this chance, and it soon became evident that it would be a challenging evening for the home side. 

Impala scored a penalty to put some points on the board. However, Ibrahim Ayoo crossed the try line to give Oilers the lead, followed by Samuel Mwaura's impressive solo effort. Wesonga's successful conversion extended the lead to 12-3. Despite Impala's persistent efforts, Oilers' relentless pressure proved too much to handle. A well-executed maul led to a try for hooker Celestine Mboi, taking the lead to 17-3 for the visitors.

In the first half, Kenyan International Denis Abukuse was given a red card, leaving the Oilers down to 14 men for 50 minutes. Oilers had a numerical disadvantage, yet, continued to pin Impala in their own 22 unperturbed. Instead of buckling, the Oilers, seamlessly adapted their play to keep the lead they needed. It proved hard for Impala to break past the defiant wall that Oilers had built up.

Oilers Key Players

Menengai Oilers' addition of Obae was a tactical masterclass as he brought the necessary finishing power to the team at a crucial moment. Two key tries in the final, including one to seal the Oilers' historic win, immediately showed off his ability. Obae, having excelled as Rugby Super Series Player of the Tournament last year, will be a valuable asset to the team this upcoming season, with his physicality and never-ending drive being essential tools to the team.

Abutwalib Wesonga was a fly-half fit for purpose, holding Impala in check with every successful conversion. His skillful boot, so vital to the Oilers' scoring strategy, must improve in order to make him a crucial part of the Oilers Kenya Cup ambitions. The Oilers will be different this season with Obae's raw power and Wesonga's tactical finesse. This Floodies win boosts the team's motivation as the Kenya Cup season draws near.

On the other hand, Impala’s huge loss is proof that they still have work to do. This tournament, played after having been recently reinstated from relegation, shone a light on once again needing to refine some areas. Impala has a tactical bench and experience and can rightly draw lessons from this campaign. 

Feature Image Credit: Menengai Oilers RFC