Resolution Impala Saracens have won NTV Kajiado 7s. In a tournament played at East African University, Kitengela, the Resolution Health Insurance backed side beat Homeboyz RFC 10-5 in the final. Playing in pouring rain and a mud pool, the team did enough yesterday, in the first half, to win it.
Fly half Mohammed Omollo kicked through, re-gathered and scored an unconverted try. The other score was by forward Tyson Okoth, when he was played in by former Kenya captain Innocent Simiyu. Simiyu is continuing his rehabilitation after a long injury layoff. “I am working hard and chasing the Olympics – either the Games or the Qualifiers,” Simiyu said.
Simiyu and international Vincent Mose were selected to join the weekend team as part of the path for them to regain match fitness. This would allow them compete for places in the Resolution Impala Saracens XV, after long absences, Mose’s for occupational reasons. “I haven’t played in a team with such a positive attitude in a long time,” said utility back Simiyu, the only captain to lead Kenya to an unbeaten season.
“They lived the mantra: Mistakes will happen. The better team is the one that reacts best!”
At the semi final, the Impala development side recovered from an early Kenya Harlequins try to beat the neighbours 22-5. Omollo scored once and tournament MVP Billy Omondi scored too, for a 12-5 half time lead. In the 2nd half, Mose pounced on a pressured loose ball to score and then, scored from the back of a full team maul in the Quins 22. “Beating Quins always raises the morale of the team,” said coach Nick Abok.
“We’re very pleased with the way the team adapted to the conditions and especially the fact that we only conceded 10 points the whole tournament. Omondi is having the time of his life and his promotion is now only a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’.The boys will also have learnt valuable lessons from the senior guys,” concluded the coach.
Resolution Impala Saracens resumes the league next weekend against the Pan Africa Strathmore Leos in the #KenyaCup and Eric Shirley Shield fixtures.
