Menengai Oilers fry Impala Saracens to guard Kenya Cup unbeaten run

The Oilers executed strategic plays and displayed exceptional teamwork, securing a resounding win in front of their home crowd.

From the start of the game, it looked like it was going to be interesting. Impala used the first 10 minutes to put pressure on the opponents’ defence.

There was a good exchange of the ball between Gideon Makumi and David Nyagige, although Nyagige couldn't utilize his golden chance due to a knock-on and poor ball handling.

A few seconds later, the Oilers struck first with a try from Samuel Ovwamu, who sliced through the Impala defense to score in the 12th minute.

Timothy Omela converted the try. It didn’t take long for the home team to score the second try through their captain, Shitundo, with Omela converting to make it 14-0.

Beldad Ogeta ran riot in the second quarter of the game, scoring three consecutive tries, all converted by Omela. Samuel Ovwamu scored his second try for the Oilers after a lapse in the Gazelles’ defense. Omela converted to make it 42-0.

Timothy Omela’s efforts earned him a perfect try as he dived to score and also converted it in the last minute of the first half. The half-time score stood at 49-0.

As the second half commenced, the Gazelles sought to alleviate some of the pressure experienced in the first half.

The visitors scored their first points eight minutes into the second half with a penalty by Sultan Mikael.

Coach Gibson Waru made a substitution when Vincent Mwikhali had to leave the pitch due to a nosebleed injury, and Allan Ochieng took his place.

Samuel Were added his name to the scoreboard following successful efforts in the scrum, extending the lead to 56-3. However, David Kipchirchir's try was disallowed due to a forward pass.Full time score 56-3.

Speaking to Citizen Digital after the game, coach Gibson Weru said: “Impala is a strong team. We couldn't afford to underestimate them despite their promotion to the Kenya Cup from the KRU Championship last season. They have proven to be worthy opponents.”

“However, we have tough fixtures ahead, including matches against KCB and Kabras RFC, and our boys are preparing for those.”

Tyson Okoth, the club captain, mentioned that luck was not on their side.

“We had a slow start, which came back to bite us. We conceded more in the first half than in the second.”

He added that they need to work on the areas that didn't perform well on Saturday before their next match against Mwamba FC.

Following Saturday's game, The Refinery remains undefeated in the Kenya Cup this season with the victory pushing their points tally to 40.