Floodies: HOSTS IMPALA AND TROPHY SEEKERS OILERS MEET IN THE FINAL
The second weekend of the 41st edition of the Flood Lights Tournament was under way this weekend as teams battled each other out to reach the finals. The semifinals kicked off with the women’s category.
Impala Roans and Northern suburbs ladies were the first to enter the field. The match was tightly contested between the two teams but Impala used their experience and grit to get a win from the stubborn Suburbs. The match ended 13-7 with impala booking a spot in the final.
In the other semifinal, Mwamba Ladies progressed to the final by default as NYS Ladies forfeited their semifinal match. They will face Impala Roans.
For the varsity category first semifinal, Daystar Falcons took on Rift Varsity in tightly contested affair. Daystar led for most of the game and looked set for victory after Eddy Wambugu's try. However, a last-minute penalty converted by Erick Ogutu turned the game in Rift Varsities' favor. Rift Varsity winning the match by 20 points to 18 points.
The other semifinal saw Kabete Stallions battle out with the Impala Boks for the other final spot. The Boks were poor and the Stallions ran riot and securing a convincing win of 35 points to 15. So next weekend Kabete Stallions will take on Rift Varsity in the varsity category final.
In a tightly contested Plate semifinal, Strathmore edged out Mwamba RFC with a 25-20 victory. Strathmore securing a date in the final with KCB rugby who trashed Catholic Monks in the other semifinal by 68 points to 6.
In the men’s category main cup semifinal first saw the hosts Impala take on their Ngong’ Road rivals Nondies in the Ngong’ Road derby. Impala won the match 9 points to 6 securing their spot in the final for the first time since 2018.
The final match of the day was between Menengai Oilers and Blak Blad, who were hoping for another upset, but Oilers were in high spirits and put on a professional show. They dominated the match both physically and tactically winning by 22 points to 6. After a four-year absence, Menengai Oilers return to the Floodlights final to face the hosts Impala next weekend. The Nakuru based team still has an opportunity to claim their first tournament title.
Feature Image Credit: D|M PHOTOGRAPHY
