‘The Resolution Impala Saracens Gazelles are officially out of 2015 Enterprise Cup action. The Duncan Ekasi captained side could have done much better on the set piece, but the KCB scrum looked charged, bossing every breakdown. The Ngong road side had highlights of backline brilliance during the match but blew up scoring chances when they were needed most’
Impala lead for only 10 minutes
A third minute infringement committed at the ruck by KCB provided opportunity for Oliech’s consistent boot to strike a neat 3 points home. The teams would for the next 7 minutes exchange possession. The back threes kicking across the field of play for ground. KCB felt the need for a controlled approach in the 11th minute and chose to play in own territory. The first rolling maul gained them 20 metres. The next resulted in a Curtis Lilako try. Mukidza’s boot had no problem converting this for a 7-3 KCB lead.
Mukidza’s unforgiving boot
The fullback who has been enjoying proper form throughout the season did not forget to carry his boots to battle. His 19th and 25th minute penalty kicks further stretched Impala’s trail. At 13-3, all that Impala needed was a converted try and a penalty to level scores, but something else happened…
KCB turnover, Olando goes over the line
Impala’s backline took on contact weakly. Jacob Ojee was quick to turnover. His 15 metre run through defence created opportunity for Fabian Olando to go over the line. Darwin Mukidza’s boot did not disappoint the host fans. The score board now read 20-3 much to KCB’s delight.
Impala wake up, take battle to KCB yard
Samuel Oliech must be lauded for his boot technique. It finds touch when needed and inspires the team during moments of desperation. Oliech’s well calculated kicks for territory placed KCB’s forwards on the back foot for the next 7 minutes. It would however require Duncan Ekasi’s hunger for try to compliment his efforts. The bulky back row barged over the line in the 35th minute. Oliech’s avant-garde boot showed zero flaw, converting Ekasi’s efforts for a 10-20 score at the 40th minute.
Impala backs too good to score, KCB utilize rolling maul
The Gazelles created the best of scoring chances in the second half but most went begging. Scores at the 46th minute would have been at 15-20 or a possible 17-20 if only Duncan Ekasi’s pass to Samson Onsomu were not a forward pass. KCB were having a field day savoring each of Impala’s handling mistakes and were soon holding the stick shift. Gears would be exchanged at the rolling maul, with Joel Omer forced to work extra hard. Javan Obino and Kelvin Karani would be forced to dig deeper for resistance but Elly Mukaisi grew sneakier with every shove. Darwin Mukidza failed to convert his 54th minute rolling maul assisted try. Scores were now at 25-10 to the Lions’ favor. Impala had to score at least 3 unconverted tries to send the match to extra time.
Impala’s backline wastes 4 try scoring chances
In the 65th minute, Mose’ broke through the first line of defence and into another. His try – brewing pass to Ian Minjire was ruled to have travelled forward. Handling woes continued in the 68th minute. After a 3 minute patient series of rucks, Javan Obino spilt the ball in KCB 5’’. 69th minute: Oliech breaks line, ventures into KCB 22, tries to set up Minjire but ball slips forward. 75th Minute: Oliech steps into KCB 22’’ pass to Okowa, Okowa gains 5 yards, Okowa pass flies behind Shiundu. Shiundu falters while collecting the ball. 4 clear try opportunities blown away.
Okowa redeems himself
It was becoming visible that KCB backs were defunct in defence and their forwards were getting worn out as the stopwatch ticked. Kerre Erick and Oimbo Paul set platform in KCB 22. Mohammed Omollo whipped it to Oliech. Okowa’s angle run neatly executed got him cutting through Esau Otieno and Jacob Ojee. Try time Impala! Oliech’s boot was unlucky with the conversion, hitting the post and rolling back for a 15-25 loss at the den.
