Resolution Impala Saracens dominated scrum setpiece, possession and territory in first half then, held their defence shape and nerve to win one of the Kenya Cup semi finals last Saturday.
The muddy conditions neither dampened their enthusiasm nor sapped their energy as they smelt their first Kenya Cup final since the new series begun in 2010.
“We had trained in the conditions and mastered them quite quickly in the match. We love to run but agreed early in the season that we must play winning rugby in all conditions,” said Duncan Ekasi,.captain of the Sarries.
Impala’s fullback George Okowa and his KCB counterpart Darwin Mukidza traded missed penalty conversions before left winger Ian Minjire grounded fly half Nato Simiyu’s charge down for the Gazelles in the 38th minute. Olowa was.wide with the conversion.
Minjire had had a big blooper earlier on when he dropped (Nato) Simiyu’s set up pass all alone with the chalk begging. The thrills and spills of a big match day.
The Sarries went into half time with the narrow 5-0 lead.
KCB would return energised to now control possession much more. It would however be the Ngong Road side that would score next through Okowa’s booting over a penalty conversion after a KCB contact infringement.
Fly half Simiyu brought in center Samuel Motari on a big inside cut but his tackler failed to roll away. Okowa was now sure with the boot from a fairly straightforward 30 metre kick.
Trailing by two scores, the Curtis Lilako led side upped their aggression especially in the lineout maul, with Kenya hooker Peter Karia outstanding in his throws, collisions and maul organization from the tail. With his try and fellow international Mukidza conversion, the game was set for a grand stand finish, both fans on edge. 8-7, Resolution Impala leading.
A Benjamin Ojemah knock on in the last play with KCB on the advance gifted the Resolution Insurance partners their last roll of the dice. KCB’s best scrumming effort of the match wasn’t enough to deny Simiyu’s left foot kick out, the final say in the match, and delirium at the Impala stands.
“That was a gritty performance from the boys. It was clear from their body language even with a one point lead that there was no panic,” said Fred Ollows, Director of Rugby.
“Not all wins will be beautiful flowing rugby. Some have to be ground out in championship rugby. We said we were ready for whichever conditions and we were”
Resolution Impala Saracens meet Kabras Sugar Rugby Club this Saturday at Impala Club in the final. Impala host the final by virtue of a first in the regular season log. Kabras Sugar beat Kenya Harlequin FC 19-15 at RFUEA Grounds in the other semi final.
