It will be a mix of long term experience, youthful exuberance and brute skill in the Resolution Impala Saracens ESS finals squad this weekend. The team which took battle to the Nakuru Athletic Club last weekend is upbeat ahead of the clash.
Speaking after naming the team, Resolution Impala Saracens Technical Director, Mr. Fred Ollows stated, ‘We couldn’t get the ball off the base in Nakuru. We realized this and later on in the match opened up the field, a playing structure that led to a 12-7 win. But this is a final. We want to start fast. Impala understands that KCB are the defending ESS champions. But our backs are a force to reckon with too. It shall be an eyeballing encounter I believe.’
If the technical bench choice of player combinations is anything to go by, this will be a tough duel.
The Team
Forwards
Front Row: Javan Obino receives the nod to start at loose head prop, Daniel Ndome who doubles up as captain for the day starts at hooker. A bulky Steven Juma has been fielded at tight head.
Second Row: A surprising but equally strong pairing has been made in the second row. Work horse Oundu Davies partners with Kimeli Arap Kimei in shoving the scrum.
Back Row: An experienced eighth man, Duncan Ekasi rallies Paul Mutsami and Innocent Wasilwa, the day’s blind side and open side flankers respectively.
Backs
Half Backs: Consistency has seen the technical bench retain Mohammed Omollo at scrumhalf. Last week’s flyhalf, Kanyiri Kariuki has been replaced by former Kenya XV utility back, Innocent Simiyu.
Centres: After an impressive outing in the Rift Valley last week, Carlos Raoul receives a nod to start at 1st centre. He is joined by a young, strong and energetic gain line breaker, Billy Omondi at 2nd centre
Back Three: Former Kenya XV full back, Vincent Mose starts at right wing, Douglas Ochako wears the left wing jersey. Sidindi Richard has been tasked with custodian duties at full back
Reserves:
16. Cisy Chogo 17. Wekesa Soita 18. Hareaton Munai 19. Kevin Okeyo 20. Felix Okari 21. Yasah Musa 22. Israel Soi 23. Nato Simiyu