Resolution Impala Saracens lost a second match in a row to KCB Lions (3-22)Winger Moses Kola at the weekend. On a match played to mark Kenya’s Jamhuri (Independence) Day, the Lions started the match at cracking pace winning the collisions and ultimately getting the better of match referee Andrew Karani’s breakdown calls.
In typical fashion, the Ruaraka based side scored off three lineout mauls after KCB kicked their penalties to the corner. In the first one, lock Erick Kopondo engaged the KCB maul alone and Karani, in consultation with AR 1 Raymond Oruo, correctly awarded Kenya hooker Curtis Lilako the try.
The subsequent two tries were hotly contested by Impala captain Duncan Ekasi when KCB jumpers shifted the ball down a ‘maul’ channel without engaging any Impala player. Their making contact with Impala on their line meant obstruction, as Impala had no potential of contesting the ball.
Karani saw it differently and with Lilako getting his brace and captain Philip Wamae dotting down too, the match was essentially decided within half an hour. Winger Darwin Mukidza added one conversion to the three tries.
Veteran scrum half Moses Kola’s penalty conversion, to make the score 3-7, after KCB’s first try, was the Gazelles only consolation.
Ultimately, the Resolution Insurance backed side must improve its gain line efficiency if the lethal backs including Sammy Oliech, Robert Aringo and Anthony Nyandigisi are to fire into action. Their linebreak needed to be more fully supported in this match.
This result leaves the Gazelles lying 9th, on 11 points, after five matches having beaten Homeboyz and Lunch Bar Quins, with losses to Mwamba, Strathmore and KCB.
Resolution Impala Saracens now meets the defending champion Top Fry Nakuru RFC next, on Saturday December 20.
