Resolution Impala Saracens now stand 6th on the NSC 2018 log with 54 points after finishing 3rd at Dala 7s. This is a jump from 8th after Driftwood 7s. The team which was relegated after Strathmore Leos beat them 24-19 in the Challenge Trophy Quarters at Kabeberi 7s on the 19th of August 2018, played at the Driftwood 7s Division 1 through invitation. Although the Gazelles seemed to employ more structure in play, the odds and mathematics in Mombasa never looked up. Strathmore soaked in a 45-5 loss in the last match of Pool C, but previous losses to KCB and Kabras 0-5 and 5-7 respectively relegated the team to the Challenge Trophy. Impala could have done better to winning the Challenge trophy, but the constant urge to take contact instead of employing an open attack system cost the team a 7-15 loss.
A combination that worked magic was the pairing of Patrick Mutuku & Anthony Odhiambo at scrum-half & fly-half respectively. The two intensity machines, who are both products of a thriving Academy system at Impala, were instrumental in giving the team advantage over teams like Menengai Oilers & BlakBlad, whose pace and formless attack needed to be checked at the group stages. Impala won 33-19 against Oilers and 15-7 against BlakBlad but lost 7-24 to eventual leg winners – Mwamba RFC. A Ngong Road Derby set early in the day left many fans shocked after Impala came from behind to beat Kenya Harlequins 17-12 at the Main Cup Quarters. The Gazelles could have beaten Homeboyz but the inability to exercise patience at penalty with only seconds to the full-time whistle gifted Homeboyz the 19-12 semi final win. Employment of character in defence and proper game management in the 3/4 play-off against KCB resulted in a 12-7 win.
Veteran & Former Impala Saracens Chair – Oduor Gangla:
Certainly this was a great improvement from Impala. We saw a lot of commitment and exertion. Impala already know how to create chances, but the closing is the biggest issue. Homeboyz were better at closing the only 3 chances they got and in the end found themselves in the final. If Impala manage to polish their closing this week in training, Christie 7s should be exciting to watch.
Christie 7s shall be played this weekend – 15/16 September 2018 at the RFUEA. Tickets to the tournament can be purchased from: http://bit.ly/Christie7s2018Tickets or by dialling *229*47#
Current NSC 2018 Log
