After a spirited fight at Christies, Resolution Impala Saracens will be looking at posting better performance in Kisumu. Dala Sevens has always been a good field. Save for the rain that begins showering play at 4p.m. Sandwiched by Lake Victoria and a backdrop of the Nandi Hills, this windward side was the victim of heavy rain when the Kenyan Sarries faced Strathmore in the last match of the day. The players were stretched to the limit and when the storm calmed down, Impala walked out of the soggy arena with a 12-7 win. The Lameck Dunde captained side lost narrowly to Top Fry Nakuru RFC in the 3rd and 4th place play offs. A 12-10 loss that blew the bronze medals off our necks.
Dala 7s Pool B: KCB, Western Bulls, Kisii RFC
Resolution Impala Saracens go into this pool the second favorites after KCB who lost 0-19 to Christie 7s hosts – Kenya Harlequins in the Main Cup final. It will be interesting to watch how Nick Odera will marshal the team to containing the KCB forwards who looked dangerous at the set piece. If Christies is a sure sign, Impala are fitter compared to this opponent. This match would not only require pace in attack, but a lot of brutality in defence. We saw KCB struggle to break the Kabras defence last week. We also saw them soak in tries in the Main Cup final. They can be beaten.
Western Bulls have the advantage of not taking the 400 kilometre bus ride to Kisumu. The 48.7 km distance separating Kisumu and Kakamega should work to their advantage. The weather conditions should also work in their favor. However, Mike Owino – Impala’s Strength & Conditioning coach is sure that travel fatigue won’t in any way affect the final scores. Western Bulls are not to be rubbished. Their trophy cabinet currently boasts of the 2015 Nairobi 10s silverware.
It is expected to be nothing short of baptism by fire when Kisii RFC and Impala come face to face.
The Team
