Resolution Impala Saracens started impressively to overcome a resurgent Western Bulls at the Bull Ring, Kakamega High School. Centre George Okowa had scored 11 points before the Bulls responded, through two penalty conversions and a try. Fullback Duncan Abuyeka, who had a sterling afternoon, then replied for the home side. 11-5, Impala,
Okowa then pushed the visitors further up with another penalty conversion. After, Bulls scored probably their most sensational try of the season. Abuyeka picked a ball deep in his 22, then side stepped and jinked right into the Impala 22 before offloading to onrushing centre Cyrus Kuya. The conversion gave the Resolution Insurance backers, a thin 14-12 lead.
Rampaging blindside winger Lameck Dunde then gave the Saracens Global Network member another great start to a half, scoring a try. Okowa was wide with the conversion attempt. The Bulls blindside winger Eliab Baraza would pull the home team level at 19-19, with a five-pointer. From there, tighthead prop Hilary Mwajilwa inched the Bulls ahead for the first time, scoring a try after the Bull forwards’ best spell in the game. 24-19, Bulls.
With the match now at frenetic pace, the Gazelles were next on board on the back of huge commitment. Old war horse lock Paul Oimbo outstanding in the direct exchanges. Fullback Pius Shiundu would join the backline after a penetrative quick ruck by the forwards. Reserve scrum half Mohammed Omollo added the extras for a crucial win. This allowed the Gazelles to enter the qualifiers territory, at 5th on the log.
Earlier, the Resolution Impala Saracens Eric Shirley side, the Boks, lost 5-12 to Bulls. Former Kenya7s international Bill Odongo returned to action at number 8.
The Impala Bucks, the Ngong Road based elite academy, qualified for the Nationwide (Nairobi) final having beaten USIU-A 17-15. The young Nick Abok coached side were quick on their feet against the heavier students.
An overjoyed chairman Oduor Gangla said, “This bodes well for the academy programme. The team has lots of the uncoachable stuff – spirit, aggression, desire. At this knockout point, it’s one game at a time so we’d wish to win Nairobi and get into the national semis. But, it’s exciting for the boys to be doing so well in knockout rugby”
The Resolution Impala Saracens plays the 6th placed Total Nondies in the final KenyaCup and ESS fixtures next weekend. The fixture doubles up as the Samson ”Chum’ Reru” Odhiambo Memorial Cup, at Impala Club, Ngong Road. Nondies hold the trophy, at the moment.
