Impala, Nondescripts in real danger of being relegated from the top tier
The Kenya Cup is now headed into a dogfight as two of Kenya’s oldest and most successful clubs plot to survive the relegation scare.
Impala Saracens and Nondescripts are tied on 11 points at the bottom of the standings and are in real danger of being relegated from the country’s top-flight rugby league.
The two sides must now approach the last two rounds of the league with the right dose of aggression even as Kabras and KCB are likely to face each for the title this season again as we head into the playoff.
Last season’s finalists have maintained unbeaten status on home ground against their confirmed playoffs contestants.
KCB registered a consecutive third comeback victory in a nervy clash to beat Menengai Oilers 23-18 whilst Kabras annihilated Strathmore Leos 32-3 for their consecutive ninth bonus that gave the side a crucial five-point gap.
Kabras now have a 45-point lead and five pointer gap is their insurance in case the side is subjected to their first loss in either of their next fixtures against Homeboyz and KCB.
Meanwhile, the Bankers had to rely on substitutes, amongst other tweaks, to come from behind to emerge victorious against the Nakuru-based Oilers.
Oilers have, however, confirmed their place in the playoffs thanks to a losing bonus and their unassailable 34 points amassed so far and sit third.
As the bottom trio of Nakuru, Impala and Nondies seek ways to survive the nightmare at hand, the top three now have different targets.
Kabras have confirmed their place to host their semifinal clash on March 5 next month where a win will give them a right to host the final.
Many errors
Meanwhile, Homeboyz coach Oscar Ayodi has said the Deejays are grateful for winning the second Ngong Road derby and praised how Impala played despite losing, a sentiment agreed by the Sarries head coach Oscar Osir.
“It was a game full of errors, pressure but I am proud my boys came out with the win without conceding a try as we move onto the next round against Kabras. Impala is a good side and we take nothing from them. They did very well but unfortunately it was not their day but they have a great potential to recover in their final two rounds,” said former Kenya international Ayodi.
Impala coach Oscar Osir is aware their final two rounds are confirmed dogfights as the side is set to play their third Ngong Road derby against Nondescripts before facing MMUST.
“It’s a tough loss obviously. There were so many errors and lost opportunities, including two missed penalties that would have turned around the game but now we are left to fight for our lives and we play Nondescripts next. Both of us are at the bottom of the league and next it’s MMUST and they beat Nakuru,” said Osir.
In the other two matches, varsity sides disrespected Kenya Harlequins and Nakuru at different venues. Blak Blad beat Quins 23-21 at KU while MMUST secured historic first scalp over Nakuru courtesy of a 12-8 show in Nakuru.
The two varsity sides are now tied on 18 points and will be battling to remain in the top six when the campaign comes to a close.
On what the bottom three must do to survive relegation, 10th placed Nakuru must win one of their last two against Harlequins and Oilers.
11th placed Impala must go for maximum points in both the final two matches against Nondies and MMUST while Nondescripts has the same plan against the Sarries this week and Homeboyz.
