The finish by the 2014 Resolution Impala Saracens ignited memories of great Impala 7s squads gone by. Led by Lameck Dunde they fully lived the afadhali tudedi (we better die) battle cry of yore to much excitement of the Impala diehard fans.
The impetus was driven by the play in bowl competitions over the last two weekends. Official and unofficial word trickled down to the Nick Abok charges that this wasn’t acceptable for a club so rich in history. It didn’t matter that the performance had landed the team in what was considered a Christie7s ‘pool of death’ with the leading two contenders of the series title – KCB and Homeboyz, They also happened to be the only teams to have won tournaments in the 2014 Series.
The Impala brains trust knew there was only one way to redemption ~ beating KCB in match one. Common logic would have had the team planning for a contest of the Homeboyz match which the team had beaten in this Series. It was decided that that would put the team under too much pressure. In any case, after losing 10-0 to KCB in Dala 7s, the KCB objective was considered achievable. Thus begun the intense scrutiny of the KCB plays, tactics and strike men…
IIMPALA SARACENS 12-7 KCB
From Sammy Oliech’s kickoff, Nato Simiyu’s retention and the expert control of possession led by Davis Makori, it was clear KCB would have a long day. When Oliech jinked and skipped his way around three defenders and went over for a centre post try, it was clear Something special was afoot. Nato slotted the conversion calmly.7-0, Impala.
A missed tackle pulled one back for KCB, from international Fabian Olando’s long range try. Edwin Salamba converted for a 7-all score. Impala continued where it left off, dominating possession and releasing composed plays. Then to a loud roar from the morning crowd, former Kenya and Impala captain Innocent (Namcos) Simiyu run on. Simiyu got injured some 3 years ago in Bamburi Rugby Super Series in what was thought a career ending knee injury.
Namcos paid off the expectant fans by setting up a fine try for Makori who was having a fine day in office. He side stepped his first defender, took the ball upfield, drew two defenders and switch passed to Makori who powered his way to the chalk, Try time Impala! In short order, it was full time! 12-7, Resolution Impala Saracens.
Objective number one – achieved.
IMPALA SARACENS 12-7 HOMEBOYZ
This was the match designed in the mind of many to be the decider of the pool. The Nairobi members of the Global Saracens Network had already torn one form book. They would carry some confidence to the match. Homeboyz were, however, a tricky opponent having played in the Prinsloo 7s bowl and were second on the overall Series log.
Homeboyz started the livelier of the two sides but when Pius Shiundu, Makori and Nato combined for the latter’s long range try, it was clear, there was a match on the cards. The Homeboyz response was quickfire. From a short injector pass by Augustine Lugonzo, Bush Mwale run all the way to centre post untouched. Lugonzo converted for a 7-5 lead.
The DJs would then have a long stretch of possession with Impala producing cover tackle after cover tackle.
The substitution of playmaker Samson Onsomu for Richard Sidindi would prove decisive. On his first touch of the pill, Sidindi would make a long range dash for the line. Left with two defenders in the Homeboyz 22 metre zone, he would dummy and continue his canter to the center post. Nato would convert for a 12-7, final score.
Objective number two, achieved. The gathered fans knew they would be treated to an Impala serving of rugby which is typically exciting when on.
IMPALA SARACENS 24-5 JKUAT
This match required the composed approach Impala had shown throughout the day. JKUAT had some impressive runners who needed to be contained. Just coming into Division 1 of the Series, they would enjoy an upset…
After initial resistance, which was expected, the Resolution team would break the JKUAT team down 24-5. This match would see Paul Omulokoli show great form against his almer mater
Objectives number three and four met. The last one being to top the pool. The team would now undergo recovery protocols and a planning session for the match against Nakuru. The Great Rift Valley lads had come from a final in their backyard Prinsloo tournament, were third on the log and had good strike players in Kenya 7s’ Oscar Ouma and Prinsloo MVP Charles Odhiambo
MAIN CUP QUARTER: IMPALA SARACENS 14-10 NAKURU RFC
Nakuru were fired up. Everything was going Nakuru’s way until Omulokoli’s converted try cancelled Okemwa’s unconverted one in the first half. Omulokoli’s was a searing run on his preferred right wing position. Moments earlier he appeared to be struggling from a knock but chose to continue playing. Afadhali tudedi.
Odhiambo would break loose in the opening minutes of the second half. Committed defence would keep him on the edges. Former Impala Leslie Ochieng would fail to convert. 10-7, Nakuru. As if to answer vocal Impala fan Martin Kariuki’s ‘Come on Impala!’, Anthony Nyandigisi scored a try converted by Nato. Try time and full time! 14-10, Resolution Impala Saracens!
The likely semi final would be against Lunch Bar Quins whose quarter final was against fast rising Kabras Sugar. The 17-0 win by Quins created much excitement in the camp. Derby! Wouldn’t it be nice to beat Quins on the 50th Anniversary of #Christie7s?
MAIN CUP SEMI: IMPALA SARACENS 21-19 LUNCH BAR QUINS
Quins begun spritely controlling possession and attacking freely. They would be rewarded by Goddie Okoth’s unconverted try for which he was involved more than just the scoring. Oliech would reply with his dazzling footwork scoring a try Nato converted for a 7-5 lead.Eden Agero would then prise the Impala defence open twice in quick succession for Paul Abuto and himself to score tries. Kevin Keegan converted both tries for a 19-7, Quins half time lead.
Minute 1 of 2nd half, captain Dunde, sidelined for injury from the KCB match, and Namcos run in for a double substitution. Almost immediately, Namcos makes a break, Quins somehow turns over the ball in the 5 metre, but Dunde pressures a potential clearance and scores. Nato converts. 19-14, Quins. Fans are on their feet. Even the Kenya Rugby Union twitter handle screams ‘iko mechi hapa!’ (We have a match!)
Now Impala’s doing what it has done all tournament. Retain kickoff, control possession. Kariuki is hoarse. Onsomu, jink, break away, pass. Hot wire on plastic stuff. Platform set on contact. Onsomu dummy pass, base attack. No Quin in site. 40 metre run, try! The stadium is delirious. Nato converts for the 21-19 lead. The Saracens affiliates have smelt blood. They defend the kickoff ferociously. Penalty! Quins, not releasing ball on the tackle. Full time!
Impala Saracens are onto their first final of the Series. Mwamba, on the other side, has pasted the Strathmore Leos 28-00. Impala will meet one more higher ranked side in the final. In addition, Mwamba have their #Kenya7sstars on. Collins Injera. Dennis Ombachi. Horace Otieno. Lavin Asego. New signing George Mutuku had also shown good flashes in the tournament. Not to worry. Interesting challenge. First meeting against Mwamba this Series (just like it was Quins).
CUP FINAL: IMPALA SARACENS 14-24 MWAMBA RFC
Impala started the match aggressively. Pius Shiundu would touch the post padding but Victor Oduor would rule a double movement penalty instead. Impala would continue pressing with Onsomu eventually drawing first blood. Nato’s boot didn’t falter. 7-0, Impala. Soon Ombachi was found on the left flank after a quick Mwamba breakdown ball. He would score a long range try. Lavin Asego was off target, Half Time Score: 7-5 Impala.
Nato would then get a yellow card for a professional foul. #Kenya7s talisman Collins Injera would pounce on a loose ball from an Impala lineout to score centre post. Asego would convert for a 12-5 Mwamba lead. Mwamba would then lose a man to a professional foul too. Impala called a scrum which, miscued, was won a tighthead by Mwamba. Horace would pick the loose ball and do an 80 metre dash to set a 17-7 Mwamba score.
An offloading movement begun by Dunde’s broken tackle would lead to a Sidindi try which when converted, brought the match to a 3 point margin. 17-14, Mwamba. Impala went on the ascendancy. The spell would be broken by a low pass knock on that returned possession to Mwamba. In the final minute, Ombachi, later tournament MVP, would land his second long range try. He cut back from an outside run and did an unopposed 60 metre run. Asego converted for 24-14, Mwamba. Full time.
“It was good campaign on the last day of the Safaricom Sevens Series. We planned well and the player response was fantastic,” said Abok, the coach. “This should put us in good stead for the upcoming season”