RESOLUTION Impala Saracens make their 3rd trip to the western town of Kakamega this weekend to face Kabras Sugar Rugby Club. In the Kenya Cup regular season, the Sarries escaped with a narrow 17-15 win over Western Bulls and lost a slim 26-29 against Kabras in their second trip.

Impala played catch up rugby in the Kabras second half, which they dominated for long spells but time ran out. Impala would secure a Krnya Cup playoffs place with 58 points against Kabras’ 56 points. The Gazelles lost a hairline18-21at Impala Club.

 “We have never beaten Kabras in Kakamega. The boys are motivated to correct this. There is strong belief in the camp that the time has come, after some close finishes,” says Impala’s Head Coach, Frank Ndong.

 “Kabras enjoy close combat rugby and have some nimble runners like Jone Kubu and Phillip Wokorach in their spine which we’ll have to deal with. We have some surprises for them too”

 Ndong steered the Gazelles to a 25-15 win against Kenya Harlequins last Saturday, in his first outing as head coach.

 Hosea Ngesa retains his starting role at loosehead prop while hooker Kelvins Karani starts from the bench in a tactical decision that sees Daniel Ndome start. Meshack Tunechi, with a standout performance last weekend retains his spot at tighthead.

 Lock Davis Makori partners debutant Shem Angugo as Daniel Abok is on sick off. Elvis Oroko, Paul Mutsami and captain Duncan Ekasi continue their backrow partnership at blindside, openside and no. 8 respectively.

 The experience of Moses Kola is employed at scrum-half in his first top level start this season. Mohammed Omollo will partner with him at fly-half. Robin Kiplang’at who started at fly-half last weekend starts at fullback.

 Brian Opar,  with several driving runs six days ago retains his left-wing starting position. At the inside centre,  Anthony Nyandigisi has family commitments. In his absence, Joash Ngesa starts. George Okowa plays at outside centre in place of Billy Omondi who won’t travel. Richard Sidindi moves from fullback to the right wing.

 “We must be quick off the blocks, and avoid playing catch up. We intend to stick to our game plan and structure and should be fine. Training has been competitive, we even had to tone it down a bit to avoid injuries. I am sure Kabras will be praying for rain, which suits their style,” laughs Ndong.

 Starting XV

1 Hosea Ngesa

2 Daniel Ndome

3 Meshack Tunechi

4 Davis Makori

5 Shem Angugo

6 Elvis Oroko

7 Paul Mutsami

8 Duncan Ekasi (C)

9 Moses Kola

10 Mohammed Omollo

11 Brian Opar

12 Joash Ngesa

13 George Okowa

14 Richard Sidindi

15 Robin Kiplang’at

Reserves

16 Kelvins Karani

17 Onsongo Nyamwaya

18 Anthony Orege

19 Paul Oimbo

20 Joel Omer

21 David Moenga

22 Israel Soi

23 Quinto Ongo