In a historic victory, Menengai Oilers clinched their first-ever Impala Floodlit Tournament title with a commanding performance against Impala RFC. Under the guidance of head coach Gibson Weru, the Oilers delivered a resilient display at Impala Grounds, overcoming challenges—including a red card for Kenyan international Denis Abukuse—to secure a memorable 41-3 win. This triumph marks a significant milestone for the Oilers, who have been steadily rising in Kenya’s rugby ranks.
First Half: Menengai Oilers Establish Control
The final kicked off with high stakes as both teams aimed for victory. Impala RFC, a seven-time champion, started strong by earning an early penalty, giving them a 3-0 lead. However, the Oilers quickly turned the momentum in their favor, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Captain Ibrahim Ayoo led by example, crossing the try line to score Oilers’ first points, giving his team a 5-3 advantage. Shortly after, Samuel Mwaura’s well-executed dummy extended the lead to 12-3, as Oilers began to exert control. Impala’s defense struggled to contain Oilers’ attacking power, and their inability to capitalize on early possession proved costly.
In the 20th minute, Celestine Mboi powered through Impala’s defense with a maul try, pushing the score to 17-3. However, Oilers suffered a setback when Denis Abukuse received a red card for a dangerous tackle, leaving them a man down for the remainder of the match. Despite this challenge, Oilers maintained their composure and continued to push forward.
Second Half: Oilers Dominate Despite Being a Player Down
The second half saw Oilers display remarkable resilience, with substitutes Elkeans Musonye and Amos Obae injecting fresh energy into the team. Their presence bolstered the Oilers’ attack, and Obae quickly made an impact, scoring two tries. Clinton Odhiambo also added to the scoreline, further widening the gap and showcasing the depth and quality of the Oilers’ squad.
Oilers’ clinical finishing and tactical discipline were on full display, as they converted opportunities into points with precision. Despite being down a player, Oilers kept Impala under pressure, limiting their opponents’ scoring chances and maintaining control over the game’s pace. Mboi continued his strong performance, scoring another try off a maul, raising the score to 24-3.
By the final whistle, Oilers had secured a resounding 41-3 victory, marking a historic moment for the club and capping off an impressive tournament campaign. This victory is particularly sweet for the Oilers, who narrowly missed out on the title in 2019 after a close defeat to KCB. Their determination to break this jinx was evident throughout the match.
The Journey to the Title: Oilers’ Road to Success
Menengai Oilers have shown steady progress in recent seasons, establishing themselves as a formidable force in Kenyan rugby. This title win at the Impala Floodlit Tournament adds a new chapter to the club’s journey, which began with their early successes in varsity-level competitions.
The Oilers have focused on developing a team culture built on discipline, resilience, and teamwork under coach Gibson Weru’s guidance. His tactical approach and commitment to nurturing young talent have been key to Oilers’ rapid ascent, making them one of Kenya’s most exciting rugby teams.
2024 Impala Floodlit Champions Menengai Oilers.@MenengaiOilers #RugbyKE #Floodies2024 pic.twitter.com/gyRtbNlzpt
— Sin Bin Rugby. (@sin_bin_rugby) November 2, 2024
Victory in the Impala Floodies represents a significant achievement for a club that has only recently broken into the top tier of Kenyan rugby. The Oilers’ success story is a testament to the effectiveness of their developmental programs and their dedication to continuous improvement.
Impala RFC: A Legacy Club Still Chasing New Titles
For Impala RFC, the loss marked a missed opportunity to add another title to their storied legacy. Despite a strong start, Impala struggled to match the intensity and execution displayed by the Oilers. As seven-time champions of the Impala Floodlit Tournament, Impala’s last victory came in 2016, and they have now fallen short in multiple attempts to reclaim the trophy.
Impala’s experience and winning tradition are undeniable, but the club will need to address key areas, particularly in defense, if they hope to return to the top. While their journey in the tournament ended in disappointment, Impala’s continued presence in finals underscores their consistent quality and commitment to excellence in Kenyan rugby.
Nondies Secure Third Place with Convincing Win Over Blak Blad
In the battle for third place, Nondies emerged victorious with a 31-15 win against Blak Blad. Nondies dominated the match from the start, with players like Charles Omondi and Daniel Okito leading the charge. Early tries from Omondi and Okito, along with successful conversions by Moseti Nyaenya, helped Nondies establish a comfortable 17-0 lead.
Blak Blad, who had hoped to replicate their third-place finish from 2023, responded with a penalty and a try before halftime. However, Nondies regained control in the second half, with Okito adding a second try and Ambrose Ouko scoring another to seal the match. This victory secured a strong finish for Nondies in the Impala Floodlit Tournament, allowing them to conclude their campaign on a high note.
Rift Varsities Claim the Varsity Title
In the Impala Floodlit Varsity final, Rift Varsities defeated Kabete Stallions 34-18 in a thrilling match at Impala Club. Kabete Stallions took an early 5-0 lead, but Rift Varsities quickly turned the tide, with two tries from Antony Owino and successful conversions by Erick Ogutu. The game remained competitive, with Kabete scoring a penalty goal in the second half, but Rift Varsities pulled away, adding three more tries to secure a convincing victory.
The final score of 34-18 capped off an impressive tournament run for Rift Varsities, who claimed the Impala Floodlit Varsity title. This win highlights the growth of rugby at the varsity level, with teams like Rift Varsities and Kabete Stallions playing an integral role in developing Kenya’s future rugby talent.
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Implications for Kenyan Rugby and What’s Next
The Menengai Oilers’ maiden title in the Impala Floodlit Tournament marks an exciting development in Kenyan rugby. As more clubs like Oilers emerge as competitive forces, the landscape of Kenyan rugby is becoming increasingly dynamic, with new challengers disrupting the established order. This shift points to a promising future for the sport in Kenya, as clubs continue to invest in player development, coaching, and tactical growth.
The Oilers’ success could also inspire more young players to pursue rugby, given the club’s reputation for fostering talent and providing opportunities for aspiring athletes. Their victory demonstrates the rewards of dedication and teamwork, qualities that resonate within the rugby community and beyond.
As the FKF Premier League returns following the international break, fans can look forward to more high-stakes matchups. Menengai Oilers will aim to build on their Floodlit Tournament success, setting the stage for an exciting season in Kenyan rugby.
