Resolution Impala Saracens Gazelles proceeded to the 2017 Enterprise Cup semis in an intense match which many could say brought back brute contest in the Ngong Road Derby.
Kevin Keegan found the posts in the 5th minute, much to Quin applause but the roof-tearer would come in at the 27th minute. Quins’ hooker – Christopher Nyanchiro was shown yellow for bending the rules. After fantastic build up by Impala forwards to enter Quins 22, Mohammed Omollo whipped it out to fly-half – Robin Kiplang’at. Kiplang’at delayed the pass allowing dummy runner – Anthony Nyandigisi to draw in his defender. The subsequent release to Richard Sidindi was well timed, hitting the fullback while at full pace and with hectares of space. Sidindi’s 27th minute try was neatly converted by George Okowa. Another moment of shrewd thinking and athletic strength came alive in the 36th minute through Mohammed Omollo. After noticing that the Quins fullback – Kevin Keegan was out of position, chipped over the forwards and although his opposing scrum-half – Lyle Asiligwa tried chasing after the kick, Omollo switched on the after-burners, beating Asiligwa to the chase, collecting the ball mid bounce before diving into the try box! Okowa had no option but convert the deliciously beautiful try. Keegan had an opportunity to gather 3 more points for his team but his kick hit the left post.
HT: Resolution Impala Saracens 14-3 Kenya Harlequins
George Okowa’s kicking looked good on this afternoon. He kicked over penalty in the 42nd minute to place Impala within a safe distance away from Quin interference. Although the visitors scored 2 tries in sequence, first through a slimy Isaac Adimo (52nd minute) which he converted himself and the second through Hillary Baraza (67th minute) which went unconverted, Joel Omer, replacement 8th man came in to dive over the line in the 74th minute. Okowa’s conversion attempt went wide. Mohammed Omollo proved his worth for inclusion in the starting line up by kicking over penalty in the 80th minute to confirm Impala’s beating of Kenya Harlequins & Impala’s spot in the 2017 Enterprise Cup Semis.
Impala’s forward play and defence is to be lauded. The boys worked extremely hard to silence their opponents on this afternoon. Carries by captain Duncan Ekasi & lock – Davies Makori, flashes of individual brilliance by Mohammed Omollo and solid play by Elvis Oroko not only taunted the visitors but also shut out any chances of them dominating the key areas of the match.
FT: Resolution Impala Saracens 25-15 Kenya Harlequins
Resolution Impala Saracens Head Coach, Frank Ndong:
Right now I am over the moon with this win. However, we didn’t kill their play like we woud have wanted to. We missed a couple of line outs. Lapsed in concentration in the second half and allowed them back into the game. Majority of our tight five players are in South Africa for the Kenya XV camp. I am happy that the boys put this behind them & focused on winning. One player in particular: Meshack Tunechi rose to the occasion. Next for us is Kabras. We haven’t won in Kakamega & it will be exciting to register a win there. We can win against Kabras only if we stick to our structures and maintain concentration.
