The last time Resolution Impala Saracens played against Nakuru on a dusty Nakuru Athletic Club floor, Impala just couldn’t score that defining try in the final minutes of the match. After hitting the scrum squarely, Duncan Ekasi was stopped by Dalmus Chituyi just inches from the try line. A second scrum set deep in Nakuru territory could have been perfect opportunity for Impala to score, but Nakuru sank the scrum to zero mobility by Impala. Samson Onsomu had no choice but whipping it out to the backs. Centre – Anthony Nyandigisi encountered heavy Nakuru contact and was turned over. Nakuru kicked the ball out & locked Impala out of the imminent win. The match ended 17-21. A result the hosts celebrated for more than half an hour.
Speaking to our media team, Resolution Impala Saracens Director of Rugby – Mr. Fred Ollows acknowledges that an Impala-Nakuru match is one that Impala seeks to approach with pin-point accuracy, especially now that the 29 points – 4th placed Impala seeks to solidify a comfortable play-off position. In his own analysis, Impala would have to generate go-forward ball and unleash their lethal backline against the sixth placed team who have 17 points. At the same time, they’d have to contain the brutal Nakuru forward play. Nakuru on the other hand will have to ensure that their forwards handle the ball with precision. The challenge for Nakuru on this day will be how to control the harmful Impala backline attack. The visitors will also be smarting from losing 13-29 to Strathmore Leos last weekend. Impala exhibited a lacklustre second half against BlakBlad last weekend. The Gazelles should play the entire 80 this weekend. Asked if the fact that current Nakuru Head Coach – Mitch Ocholla is a former Impala makes the exchange this weekend interesting, he replied “It does. Tactics change but the Impala DNA is just that.”
The Resolution Impala Saracens Gazelles vs Nakuru RFC match will be played this Saturday – 10th February 2018 at the Impala Club from 4pm. Gates open at midday & tickets are only 300/-. See you then!
