High-flying Impala stun bankers, Homeboyz to reach Cup quarters - PICTURES

Innocent ‘Namcos’ Simiyu-led Impala Saracens caused major upsets on the opening day of the Safaricom Christie Sevens at the RFUEA grounds on Saturday.

Impala upset National Sevens Series leaders Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) 12-7 and went on to beat Homeboyz by an identical score.

Impala then eased past Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 24-5 to top Pool A and make it to their third main Cup quarterfinal. But things looked tricky for KCB, who went into the last event leading the Series with 85 points, as the bankers lost to Homeboyz 7-19 to drop to Bowl.

KCB must now must win Bowl if they hope to retain the Series. Bowl victory will bring them to 90 points.  But again they will be on level points with Homeboyz, who must go all the way to win Christies. It will now go down to mathematics to decide who win the Series.

Kisumu upset Western Bulls 14-12 before beating Masaku 19-5 to qualify for their first main Cup this season despite losing to Kenya Harlequin 0-24 in Pool D.

The 31-year-old Simiyu was making a comeback to competitive rugby after three years after dislocating his knee during the 2011 Bamburi Rugby Series.

SCORED A BRACE

Simiyu’s younger brother Nato converted Samuel Oliech’s try to give Impala a 7-0 lead at the drinks against KCB, who went into the event as favourites by virtue of winning the Kabeberi, Dala and Prinsloo Sevens besides reaching Driftwood final.

Fabian Olando would convert his own try to level the proceedings for KCB but Nato’s try was to wrap up the vital victory for Impala.

Nato put Impala ahead 5-0 against Homeboyz but Jeff Oluoch crossed the line before Augustine Lugonzo converted to give Homeboyz a 7-5 lead. Impala would hit back in the second half, as Nato converted Richard Sindindi’s try for another sweet victory for the Gazelles.

Paul Omulokoli scored a brace of tries then Anthony Nyandigisi and Israel Soi crossed the line once to condemn JKUAT to defeat but it was not before Nato converted twice. Douglas Nyaemo scored JKUAT’s try.

Impala reached the main Cup at Kabeberi and Dala. They won plate at Kabeberi before finishing fourth overall at Dala. They dropped to Bowl at Driftwood and Prinsloo.