The Resolution Impala Saracens Boks fought off a stolid Mwamba RFC to start their 2017-18 ESS trophy defence campaign with much needed relief.
Shem Angugo dragged 3 defenders to score. Kanyiri Kariuki converted with finesse. The 7-0 Impala lead didn’t last long when lapses in Impala concentration and disciplined gifted Mwamba a penalty try. Mwamba appeared the stronger team in attack and camped in Impala half for 11 minutes. Impala would cave in through a Shem Angugo – high tackle. The 1 man deficit provided the best opportunity for Mwamba’s Daniel Taabu to boot through 3 points. Felix Otieno’s race past 4 Impala backs opened up Impala’s lead to 15-7. Impala’s strong scrummaging created opportunity for Robin Kiplang’at to score. Kanyiri converted to cut Mwamba’s lead by only one point. The match was to be decided through Kanyiri’s booting. Although he missed an opportunity in the 75th minute, his kick at the 78th was just enough to secure the win for the Boks.
FT: Resolution Impala Saracens Boks 17-15 Mwamba RFC
Resolution Impala Saracens Director of Rugby – Fred Ollows:
For ESS, we always expect a win because they are a championship side. But it was tight. Mwamba were troublesome last year and were a hectic side to play against this year as well. Kudos to Mwamba though. They seem to have done really well with their second side.
Mwamba RFC Director of Rugby – Edwin Waita:
We made a couple of silly mistakes and were complacent when it really mattered. However, officiating was wanting towards the end of the match. We saw a red card that was completely unnecessary.
