Impala Floodlit rugby competition gets into the semi-finals

There will be no easy games as the Impala Floodlit competition gets into the semi-finals today at the Impala Club grounds on Ngong road.

With three categories to be played, Mang’u will face Ofafa Jericho and Laiser Hill will tackle Moi Forces Academy in the schools' category slated for early kickoff before lunchtime. Laiser Hill and Mang’u were the big winners of last weekend’s quarterfinals, when they ran through Lenana 29-0 and Githiga 21-0 respectively. The two sides will be hoping to continue with their recent form, but the opposition is expected to be much tougher with Ofafa Jericho and MFA also showing promise.

The universities' category will follow the schools in the afternoon, with Strathmore taking on Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad while United States International University will play University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine. Even though Strathmore will be fielding a second string side for the game, as their first string side will also be taking part in the club semi-finals, Blak Blad will still have their hands full against a well drilled side.

Mean Machine will be banking on their Kenya Cup experience and previous record in the Impala Floodlit to run through USIU, who, on the other hand know that this is the only time they get to mix it up with the big boys and are thus likely to give their A-game performance.

The main highlight of the day will, however, be the clubs’ category which will be played in the evening, where the hosts Impala will go against Strathmore Leos and Kenya Commercial Bank will wind up the proceedings against Homeboyz.

Impala played a thrilling game against Kenya Harlequin last weekend, where they ran riot and beat them 48-12.

If they can replicate that form today, Strathmore Leos will be up for a tough encounter. Both sides are known to be very agile and to play a bit of free-flowing rugby, but given the expected muddy conditions the game plan may have to change a bit.

The final game will see defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank take on Homeboyz RFC in what is expected to be a physical encounter. Both sides boast heavy squads that thrive on physical matches and this will be a game of big hits dominated by play from the forwards.

Winners of all games will qualify for the finals.