Kenya Quins pull off big win against Impala

By Herbert Mwachiro
May 16 2006

Quins pulled off a big morale booster away win over bitter rivals Impala over the weekend in the Kenya Cup. The 26-5 victory Impala together with a bonus point saw Quins back in the hunt for top honours.

Quins now lie 3rd same on points with Mwamba but one point behind league leaders and defending champions KCB with 11points. The seconds stumbled on their Rift Valley tour where they were on the wrong end of a 38-5 hiding from Nakuru. The slip saw them move down to 4th in the ESS Pool A. Nakuru remain perched at the top of the ESS Pool A table.

Back to Impala, Quins started in typical fashion and considered a try after 5 minutes from a fast and furious Impala onslaught. Impala also missing national team players brought out the woodwork and fielded some long lost faces short of fitness but with a wealth of experience. For the next 25 minutes it was all tense as Quins repeatedly tried to breach the Impala rearguard but they held back the marauding Quins through desperate defence and a bit of help from an incompetent referee. (This refereeing issue seems to be a permanent feature this season). A harmless up and under by peter Abuoga saw Tony Mutai chase it and flick it over the Impala fullback Brazilian Samba style and he raced to plant the ball under the sticks. A conversion by Abuoga made it 7-5 and Quins were back in the game.

Suddenly Quins were a well-oiled engine and a run by Amos Agiro right through the fly half channel saw him put in a second try in what was surely his finest game in Quins colours. Abuoga's kick made it 14-5 at the break and that was the last we heard or saw of Impala. Two second half tries by Lewis Olaka and the captain Edward Ogree Kinyany saw Quins take all 5 points available for the win. The refs final whistle saw the faithful erupt in joy at the 26-5 win. The 'Mozambicans' also had to admit it was a well earned victory.

The whole team had a good outing when it all got together but more outstanding and men of the match were Tony Mutai and Bob Arrum who was making his debut in the first team. Kudos yet again to 47 year old James 'Arrest' Mwenda who gave a worthy account of himself when he came off the bench during a blood bin for Vincent Ongera. That showed how deep Quins had to dig. Arrest must definitely hold the record of being the oldest player in the Kenya Cup so far. A quick drink at the Impala pavilion then we marched back to our clubhouse and proceeded to get very tired in normal legal fashion. Gordon Anampiu proved to be the nights inspiration as he led the dance train all the way from A to Z.

It doesn't get any easier. This weekend sees us lock horns with Kenya Cup champions KCB at home. Both first and seconds games will be against the bankers. KCB boasting the only unbeaten run will want to come and prove their dominance over Quins having beaten us in the semi-finals of the Easter Blackrock tourney. This is definitely the top match of the weekend with both teams digging deep due to the absence of their national team players. This one ultimately promises to be a thriller. Lets be the in numbers to support the lads!

The team that thumped Impala:

* Vincent Ogera
* Kevin Ndaga
* Kennedy Gikaru
* Lewis Olaka
* Tony Mutai
* Bob Arrum
* Enos Otieno
* Edward Kinyany - Captain
* Fervent Thumbi
* Amos Agiro
* Evans Onyango
* Allan Onyango
* Peter Abuoga
* Dennis Keya
* Sean Omondi

Reserves
* James 'Arrest' Mwenda
* Njuki Kamundia
* George Karanu
* Patrick Onyango
* Joash Odhalo

Keep in mind the Safari 7's is a month away and we are fielding 3 teams.