With the Enterprise Cup closer here than the nose is to the human eye, the Resolution Impala Saracens took on a daring path: Sending a strong squad of 17 to partake in the annual pilgrimage fondly referred to as the Great Rift 10 Aside Rugby Tournament. It was going to be a long shot for the team granted that it only took 3 training sessions to prepare for the competition. In as much as the technical bench borrowed sustenance from the old guard, a couple of Academy players came out to light.
Impala begin on losing streak
Resolution Impala Saracens 10-12 Bungoma
No one imagined that it could happen. If previous results are to be used as rubber stamp, Bungoma were coming into this match a strong opponent. The Sarries found themselves on the back foot at half time, trailing 12-0 to the Western Region team. After 15 minutes of engaging the opponent in contact, flyhalf Mohammed Omolo changed tact and began opening up the field. This change in tact stretched Bungoma’s defence, providing scoring space for Richard Sidindi and Samson Onsomu to score tries. Omolo’s attempt at converting Sidindi’s flew wide. The match could have ended 12-12 but the lake basin breeze blew Onsomu’s conversion attempt to hitting the upright.
Resolution Impala Saracens 24-0 Technical University of Kenya
A one sided encounter courtesy of TUK’s incapability in defence. Equal to this was Impala’s constant hunger for the knock on. If Duncan Ekasi’s hands and Israel Soi’s fingers could at least grip the ball in contact, a half century score could have been recorded with ease. Joel Omer, Kelvin Atuke & Joel Omer crossed over once. Onsomu crossed the chalk twice. Omolo successfully converted one of Onsomu’s and Atuke’s efforts. Onsomu failed to convert Omer’s try settling for a 24-0 full time register.
Resolution Impala Saracens 10-5 Western Bulls
A battle to the wire. Both teams blessed with skill, talent and raw strength. The Bulls came into the match looking stolid, massive and in them embodied a spirit of truancy. The past two encounters have always been close end to end matches. This one would prove a little different. Impala were fervently denied possession. Western Bulls were polished in recycling, but Impala had locked all gates, windows and keyholes to the try box. Raw spirit from Joel Omer saw him dot at the chalk once, Onsomu’s attempt at kicking it over missed the mark by a few inches. Youngster Billy Omondi would later make worth of his gym hours, knocking off a defender and swatting away. He crowned his 20 metre run of glory with a neatly placed try. Onsomu’s conversion attempt appeared casual. Western Bulls’ patience in attack finally bore them an unconverted try in the final minutes of the game.
Main Cup Quarters
Resolution Impala Saracens 0-26 Pan Africa Strathmore Leos
After missing out on numerous tournament honors, the Leos were intent on making a statement. Impala could have won this match if the boys paid attention to key Strathmore marksmen. Churchill Ooko, Humphrey Owuor and Charles Omondi would torment the young Impala backline at will. Omer’s efforts at covering overlaps proved futile. Endless handling errors and impatience on the breakdown further complicated the situation. Impala’s only chance of crossing the line was when Soi made a reckless choice by taking the ball back into traffic when he had Ongo, Omondi and Sidindi hanging loose on the outside.
Plate Semis
Resolution Impala Saracens 5-10 Homeboyz
Homeboyz came in unprepared. Their constant love for contact was equally matched by an obstinate Impala backline. Joel Omer ran rings around the turn – table enthusiasts before dragging 2 defenders to a thud on the chalk. Kanyiri’s kicking was not favoured by the wind. Just before half time, Homeboyz replied. An unconverted try at the far left began constricting Impala’s chances of qualifying to the plate semis. Later on in the second half, Impala would match Homeboyz pound to pound, Newton to the other. Homeboyz were clever in attack though, sneaking a crownless try from situations not expected. The first 6 minutes of the second half would be played in midfield, with centre Billy Omondi owning the contact arena. Sidindi pulled in Martin Tubula, a switch to Omondi provided the right opportunity for Billy to showcase his Herculian ability. He first knocked Tubula, sending him flat on his back. On Omondi’s path of destruction was Lugonzo. Billy assumed the power position, looked straight into the opponent’s eye, took him off balance, knocked him over and sent him flying in the air and landing onto the moist Nakuru Athletics Club patchy turf. Kerre Erick would later break out of his shell. His monster tearing hand landed on Joshua Chisanga. The hand off really strong sent Chisanga flying back to an estimated count of ten yards. This must have been the highlight of the tournament as every fan is still asking on availability of the sequence images.
The Resolution Impala Saracens technical bench now shifts focus to the Enterprise Cup Semi Final to be played this weekend: Resolution Impala Saracens vs Kenya Commercial Bank Lions
