Impala’s Ollows sets sights on Floodlit final

John Okwaro(L) of Strathmore struggle for the ball against Kevin Ochami of Impala during Impala Floodlights 2015 rugby match at Impala ground in Nairobi on Saturday 24/10/15. PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

After winning 13-11 in last Saturday’s closely contested Impala Floodlit Tournament semi-final Impala have set their sights on the title.

They emerged top in the ‘Ngong Road Derby’ against Kenya Harlequin and Impala RFC Director of Rugby Fred Ollows says they are keen to reclaim the title they lost to Mean Machine in 2011.

The Sarries, who will now be seeking a seventh Floodlit title and a first in six years face another Herculean task against champions Kenya Commercial Bank in a repeat of last year’s final. The bankers rallied from behind to beat the hosts 26-14.

The Curtis Olago-coached side was the first team to sail through to the finals of the 36th edition of the oldest floodlit tournament after stunning a determined Nakuru 28-26 in the first semis at the same venue.

After a cagey opening half that saw Impala’s Nato Simiyu cancel out Lyle Asiligwa’s penalty to go to the breather tied at 3-3, Impala had to dig deep to claim the derby bragging rights and qualify for the finals thanks to man of the match Quinto Oongo’s own converted try and late penalty.

“It was a big win. Every time we beat Harlequin is a good thing for the club. So we are totally enjoying it,” a visibly delighted Ollows told Feverpitch after the derby victory.

“We want to reclaim the title and that’s exactly what we are aiming for at this point-that’s why we played this game like that.”

Asked why the game was restricted to the 22 area on both sides in the first half, Ollows said:

“There was no real carries beyond the game line. The tackles from both sides were quite good. As you can imagine, a derby game everybody comes to play to his best. Quins had really good defence towards us, but we also defended very well.”

But for Ollows it is impressive Oongo who changed the game in the second half and expects him to replicate the same performance in Saturday’s finals.

“The second half belonged to Quinto Oongo. He scored a try, converted from the corner then scored the winner. So, really that’s Quinto’s show,” said Ollows.

Ollows has already outlined their strategy ahead of a potentially exciting final against champions KCB at Impala Sports Club.

“KCB will always be physical, so we will try to get the ball out of the tight situations and see if we can play a bit wider,” said Ollows.

“They beat us in the final, but we beat them twice after that. I think we closed the gap in the course of the season. We know a final is a final and it is about taking your chances.”