27-19 read the scoreboard at the Nakuru Athletics Club after the final whistle in December 2015. ‘Suguta Valley’ had been for two years, a brutal battle field for visitors. Nowadays, not much after Impala ran riot. Dampening the Suguta dust after a saddening loss last season.
Going into this match, Fred Ollows, Resolution Impala Saracens Head Coach has chosen to play it rough, tight & super solid on his team selection. After trailing for close to 10 minutes at Kabete against Machine last weekend, Impala will have to start guns blazing if they are to stamp authority.
Handling & retention will be very important if this match is to be closed out in the 1st half. Nakuru, who are endowed with some of the nation’s best forwards. Case in point; Mike Okombe, Lawrence Esikumo, Edwins Makori, Sammy Warui & Isaiah Nyariki, will seek to bully the scrum & rucks. If Ollows’ selected charges who are way mobile than their counterparts, will stick heads into the contest, the visitors could be seen sinking their way into committing infringements. The host coach has a superb plan in the backs too. Blessed by the services of highly conditioned, hot – heeled backs straight off the Kenya 7s camp namely Robert Aringo & Sammy Oliech, Nakuru’s Gramwel Bunyasi, Kelvin Omiyo & Leslie Ochieng could have a long day at defending the line.
The Team:
Front Row: Stephen Juma, Daniel Ndome, Dennis Karani
Locks: Davies Makori, Simon Muniafu
Backrow: Daniel Abok, Paul Mutsami, Duncan Ekasi
Scrumhalf: Samson Onsomu
Fly-half: Nato Simiyu
Centres: Robert Aringo, Billy Omondi
Back Three: Samuel Motari, Kevin Ochami, Samuel Oliech
Reserves: Kelvins Karani, Edgar Obino, Hosea Ngesa, Erick Kerre, Joel Omer, Michael Mugo, Innocent Simiyu, George Okowa
Date: 23.1.2016
Venue: Impala Club
Time: 1600 HRS