Nondies are back in the Impala Floodlit final after eliminating hosts Impala RFC in a tense semi-final clash played at the Impala Club on Saturday.
Just like last year, this fixture proved to be a low-scoring affair early on decided largely by kicks, though this time Nondies managed to break through with tries to seal their place in the final. Last season, Impala edged Nondies 9–6 in a penalty-dominated duel to reach their first final since 2018.
Nondies last appearances
Nondies, who were seeking a return to the final following their 2022 and 2023 appearances, showed intent early. They opened the scoring with a penalty before Quinto Ongo levelled for Impala with a three-pointer.
Another successful kick restored Nondies’ lead, and moments later, Charles Omondi crossed over for the first try of the game to hand Nondies a 13–3 halftime advantage.
After the break, Charles Odhiambo charged down a clearance kick, collected the loose ball, and sprinted to score under the posts, extending Nondies’ lead and seemingly putting the game beyond Impala’s reach.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- List of rugby prospects from high school
- Colman Were keen to redefine Kenyan rugby’s physical edge
- Follow Scrummage Africa on Facebook
- Collins Injera inducted into Fiji’s Rugby Town Walk of Fame
However, the Gazelles refused to give in. A patient build-up from the forwards earned them a converted try, cutting the deficit to 13–10. Ongo then slotted in a long-range penalty from nearly 50 metres to take Impala’s tally to 13 points, reducing the gap to just seven.
As Impala pushed to complete the comeback, Nondies struck again with a try at the right corner to move 25–13 ahead. Impala managed to add more points late in the game to reach 19, but it was not enough, as Nondies held firm to secure their place in the 2025 Impala Floodlit final
