Homeboyz, Strathmore soar to Impala Floodlit semis

Nondescript's Felix Nang'oli (left) vies for the ball with Strathmore University's Richard Omedo during Impala Floodlit Rugby tournament. Nondies are targeting a play off spot in this Kenya Cup season. PHOTO | FILE |

What you need to know:

  • Philemon Olang also landed a double to spur Leos to a 25-23 victory over Nondescript after they led 22-3 at the drinks

  • Strathmore coach John Mbai said they might have won but his side's fitness levels must improve moving forward

  • Saidi Jumba, Steve Odhiambo and Juma scored a try each but it was late for Nondies. What perhaps cost them was the two missed conversions by Juma

Homeboyz and Strathmore Leos, who are chasing their maiden title, edged out their stubborn opponents on Saturday to reach the semi-finals of the Impala Floodlit rugby tournament at the Impala Sports Club grounds.

Stanley Isogol scored two tries as Homeboyz led 17-13 at the break to beat Nakuru 37-30 in a thrilling duel.

Philemon Olang also landed a double to spur Leos to a 25-23 victory over Nondescript after they led 22-3 at the drinks.

"It was a good display from my players, this being the first match of the season," said Homeboyz coach Simon Odongo. "We allowed Nakuru to score from our mistakes especially at the breakdowns but you would expect such mistakes after a long 15s break."

Strathmore coach John Mbai said they might have won but his side's fitness levels must improve moving forward.

"We only played 25 minutes of quality rugby but we were off in the second half," said Mbai adding that they only had two weeks of pre-season training ahead of the tournament.

"We knew it was going to be tough at the set pieces and lineouts but I was surprised that we were good in the scrummages," explained Mbai.

Besides Isogol's double and Joseph Amalemba, Mohammed Omollo scored a try each for Homeboyz. Elvin Asena converted all the four tries besides slotting over three penalties to put Homeboyz in the semis.

Crispin Onyango, Churchill Ooko, Tony Mbugua and Paul Lusesi scored a try each for Nakuru. Collins Abuyeka made two conversions and a penalty but all was in vain as they failed to outsmart the Deejays.

Olang touched down twice as Austin Mbaya crossed the line once to give Strathmore a 22-3 lead at the break but not before Gedion Makumi converted twice in addition to a penalty.

Maluki only added a penalty in the second half for the Leos as Nondies, who had only a penalty by Martin Juma in the first session, staged a thrilling comeback.

Saidi Jumba, Steve Odhiambo and Juma scored a try each but it was late for Nondies. What perhaps cost them was the two missed conversions by Juma.   

Homeboyz will now meet defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank who beat Mwamba 25-10. The Leos will come up against either hosts Impala and Kenya Harlequin in the other semi.

Impala and Quins were also set for their quarterfinal showdown tonight.