Resolution Impala Saracens have booked a Main Cup Quarter final match with rivals KCB after winning 2 of 3 matches played at the RFUEA today.
Resolution Impala Saracens 26-0 CUEA
Josh Ngesa was first to go over for the Gazelles. Kiplang’at’s boot found it a little difficult topping up the extras. He however went ahead to convert tries by Billy Omondi & Sidindi Richard in the first half for a 19-0 scoreline. Ian Minjire however redeemed himself after being shown yellow in the opening minutes of the second half. His try, neatly converted by Kiplang’at ensured a 26-0 win for Impala.
Resolution Impala Saracens 7-21 BlakBlad RC
Ian Minjire pierced BlakBlad defence and grounded the ball after a 40 metre dash. Kiplang’at had no problem complementing his efforts for 7-0 lead in the early minutes of the first half. Lady luck would not smile on the Gazelles later. Kiplang’at saw the yellow card flash at his face after a dangerous tackle. BlakBlad used the opportunity to score a try & convert to level matters. A minute after Kiplang’at’s return, BlakBlad scored another try & converted to send Impala trailing 7-14. The students went on to confirm Impala’s loss in the final 2 minutes of the second half. A neatly worked, scored and converted try that got the scoreboard reading 7-21 in Blad favour.
Resolution Impala Saracens 15-12 Menengai Oilers
Menengai Oilers were first to breach Impala defence but failed to convert. Anthony Nyandigisi came on as a substitute and immediately added impetus to an Impala attack that seemed a little blunt at start of the match. He cleaned close to 30 metres to scoring, but Kiplang’at’s boot failed to claim the sweetspot for the extras. The RFUEA burst out in cheer when a missed tackle by Samuel Motari in Oilers 22 bore a roof – tearing try by the oil refiners. The conversion thus good registered a 7 point Impala trail. Davis Makori would later take matters seriously when he barged over and past 3 Oilers defenders. Although Kiplang’at missed the conversion, and Sidindi spilt the ball in a situation that required calmness in attack from base, Menengai Oilers made a mistake they would live to remember. A punt by one of the oil refiners landed into Kiplang’at’s pocket. The subsequent phases opened up Samuel Motari who sprinted past a solo Oilers defender. Kiplang’at missed the conversion, but the 15-12 win was just enough to book Impala a quarter final match with KCB.
Resolution Impala Saracens 7s Coach – Oscar Osir:
It is always good when you win with maximum scores against teams. I was happy with our defence against CUEA. Blakblad took their chances when they could and as a result, they won against us. After that Blad match, we had to dig deeper like last weekend and we finally won against a well drilled Oilers side. I understand that we are playing against KCB tomorrow. It is not going to be an easy match. KCB this week have playmakers but we are prepared for the contest.
Resolution Impala Saracens 7s Coach – Nick Abok:
It has been a test of character. It would have been nice if we started out playing structure and kept things simple. The players know what to do
Resolution Impala Saracens 2017 7s Captain:
At this point we need to respect teams. We also needed to execute our plan during the BlakBlad match. The duel between us & Oilers was a must win. We had no option but win. We play against KCB at 11.50 a.m tomorrow. My teammates know that once you cross that ‘white Impala line’, you have no choice but honor the jersey.
Resolution Impala Saracens Director of Rugby – Fred Ollows:
When our players are interested in playing, they actually do play. The last game against Oilers, they came to play. We are a technical side, but we need to earn that oomph. We were flat in the BlakBlad match. I cannot remember a time a Blad match was easy for Impala. That Kabeberi 7s trophy does not place pressure on us, but it carries with it responsibility. We must play and win. Every player allowed the opportunity to represent the team must place their focus in it and give their all.
Resolution Impala Saracens Chairman – Bill Githinji
Leaving wins for the last minute is a little heart breaking as well as exciting! I am hoping to see confidence & improved performance tomorrow.
