Embu 7s holders Menengai Oilers kicked off their title defence with a 43-0 win over Kirinyaga University in the opener played at Njukiri Grounds Embu on Saturday morning.
It was Davis Nyaundi who opened the scores with an unconverted try for a 5-0 lead. The lead doubled minutes later with a corner try from Kenya under 20 star Tyson Maina.
The second half opened up more for the Kenya Cup finalists and Maina grabbed his second try of the day and stretched the scores to 17-0 after Nyaundi added the extras.
Steve Arunga came off the bench to land a try that was also converted for a 24-0. Eugene Lubanga, Tony Oketch and Anthony Kibet all crossed over for a try each for 43-0.
Last year’s finalists Nakuru RFC managed a 31-5 win over Meru University while Strathmore Leos were the biggest winners of the first round as they whipped Bulls Rugby 59-0.
Other Varsity sides MMUST Rugby, Catholic Monks, Blak Blad, USIU Martial also won their openers.
The event was last staged in 2019, with Menengai Oilers edging Nakuru RFC 14-12 to win the title, and it is back after a two-year absence because to the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted athletic and economic operations around the world.
The tournament is being used by clubs as a warm-up for the National Sevens Circuit which is set to kick off on 21/22 May 2022 with Kabeberi 7s at RFUEA Grounds.
Strathmore Leos
Round one results
Embu 14- 33 USIU
Nakuru RFC 31-5 Meru Uni
Menengai Oilers 43-0 Kirinyaga Uni
Administration Police 19-10 BATUK
Catholic Monks 17-5 Meru RFC
MMUST 36-14 Rongai Morans
Blak Blad 24-0 Stallions Rugby
Strathmore Leos 59-0 Bulls rugby
