After beating the Technical University of Kenya 25-24, the Standered Chartered Impala Rugby Academy is now in the Mwamba Cup Division II finals. The semi stretched into extra time much lke the senior Resolution Impala Saracens did against KCB Lions in Enterprise Cup semis.
The Academy coached by Samson Onsomu and Steve Juma meets Western Kenya’s Shieywe in the Mwamba Cup final at Impala Club 11.30 am tomorrow. Shieywe walked over neighbours Kakamega RFC 24-0..
‘Stopping the Shieywe winning streak is very important for us. We believe our tough semi final match will work to our advantage’, Onsomu remarked. The technical bench has has described Shieywe’s style as ‘athletic’. With this in mind Kevin Kariuki starts at hooker in place of Elvis Oroko.
Tony Amakoye and Mabior Janaphile’s lock partnership has been maintained. Captain and openside wing Ian Mabwa and centre Bill Odhiambo played vital roles in winning the semifinal. They return to the starting XV. Hassan Nyakundi form has been consistent and starts at fullback.
Starting XV
Front row: 1. Sidney Obiero 2. Kevin Kariuki 3. Allan Ongeri 4.Tonny Amakoye 5. Mabor Janaphile,
Backrow: 6. Valentino Cosmas, 7. Clinton Musonye, 8. Paul Mutsami 9. Brian Lwangu 10. Harrison Asena 11. Mark Kwemoi 12. Leon Moody 13. Billy Odhiambo 14. Ian Mabwa 15. Hassan Nyakundi
Replacements
16. Elvis Oroko 17.Edgar Odipo 18. Kennedy Oduor 19.Steve Shammah 20. Rainer Omondi, 21.Isaac Gomba 22. Frank Breen 23. Mohammed Omollo