The Resolution Impala Saracens Gazelles were made to wait until the 56th minute yesterday to get back into contest.
Musonye torments Impala’s defence
Elkeans Musonye, Strathmore’s 8th man & latest import from Western Bulls had 3 great runs off scrum down, beating Kerre Eric on all 3 occasions. His hungry desire to open the score board would be confirmed at the 10th minute after receiving a pass off scrum half – Eugene Nzioka. Finding an unexpecting Joel Omer, he tore through space to dotting under the posts. Eugene Nzioka’s conversion was confirmed good. 7-0 Strathmore.
Impala’s poor handling dominates entire 1st half
While Nato Simiyu’s booting to finding territory was impressive, poor handling within the kill zone dominated Impala’s first half campaign. The LEOS were not relenting in defence as they turned over Impala attack, thrice, in own 22 to ensure the 7 point lead by the 40th minute.
Adrian Opondo stretches Impala’s trail at 44th minute
Mitch Ocholla’s charges would appear the better unit at the beginning of the 2nd half, constantly beating the gain line & finding Impala defence on the back foot. Infringement by Impala in own half on the 41st minute would gift the LEOS a chance for a 10-0 lead, but Eugene Nzioka’s kick flew wide. Stubborn as they were, a smart display of hands would leave Impala’s backs empty in the 44th minute, as Adrian Opondo dived into the box. Eugene Nzioka missed the conversion.
Impala dominate scrumdown and backline play to frustrate the LEOS
After 54 minutes of play and 2 infringements at scrum by the students, Quinto Ongo would confirm referee Wanjohi Ngige’s call for penalty try reducing the trail by 5 points. George Okowa’s unconverted try at the 56th would level the scores at 12-12. Winger Quinto Ongo would later collect a pass, draw two defenders and chip over. The bounce would favor Kevin Ochami to sliding into the try box for a 17-12 score. Quinto was unlucky with the boot.
Impala emerged the stronger force in scrum as the LEOS explicitly showed fatigue. A platform set off a collapsed scrumdown was perfect ambience for captain Duncan Ekasi to spray confetti on the scoreboard. Okowa split the posts to stretch Impala’s lead by 12 points.
David Dinda would have pinned his name on the match report for the 80th minute try, but his arm missed out on the chalk dust by just a few inches.
FT: Resolution Impala Saracens Gazelles 24-12 Strathmore LEOS
