KCB Rugby have won the Dala 7s tournament after defeating Kabras RFC with a scoreline of 17-5 in the final that took place at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium Mamboleo Grounds on Sunday.
With this victory, KCB Rugby extended their impressive record in the Dala 7s, securing their fifth title in the tournament. It marks a triumphant return for KCB as they reclaim the title they last won in 2019.
KCB entered the tournament following consecutive losses to Kabras in the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup finals.
On the other hand, Kabras had been in excellent form, appearing in their five different sevens finals and winning the previous four.
Kabras made a strong start in the final, scoring the opening try through Barry Robinson, who breached the defence and touch down. However, their conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
KCB quickly responded with a try of their own, courtesy of Edmund Anya, a key player from the Kenya 7s team. Anya displayed his pace and skill as he sprinted towards the try line, and Brian Wahinya successfully converted, giving KCB a 7-5 lead.
In the second half, KCB continued their momentum, with Jacob Ojee picking a loose pass and capitalizing on the opportunity to score a try. Unfortunately, Wahinya was unable to convert the try.
Vincent Onyala, the vice-captain of the Kenya 7s team, made a remarkable return to sevens rugby after recovering from an injury he sustained in Hong Kong 2022. Onyala made an impact by scoring KCB’s third try through a well-executed offload.
KCB managed to hold on to their lead and claim the first sevens title of the season.
Strathmore Leos third in Dala 7s
Strathmore Leos emerged victorious over Kenya Harlequin in a thrilling sudden-death encounter, securing the bronze medal with a scoreline of 26-17.
Brunson Madigu made an early impact for Strathmore Leos by opening the scoring with a well-executed try, which was successfully converted.
Kenya Harlequin swiftly responded through their captain, Paul Mutsami, who also scored a try that was converted, resulting in a 7-7 deadlock.
George Ooro, a notable player from the Kenya 7s team, extended Strathmore’s lead with a well-taken try, putting them ahead 14-7. Madigu continued to shine by scoring his second try of the match, giving Strathmore a comfortable 19-7 advantage.
However, Kenya Harlequin refused to back down and mounted a comeback with Dominic Osino scoring a try and converting it, closing the gap to 19-14. As the game approached its climax, Leonard Fogang managed to score a crucial try for Kenya Harlequin, levelling the scores at 19-19 by the end of regular time.
In the ensuing extra time, it was the Strathmore Leos who seized the opportunity, scoring a try that ultimately secured them the third-place finish in the tournament.
Mwamba finish fifth
Meanwhile, Mwamba RFC claimed the fifth position after defeating defending champions Menengai Oilers with a score of 12-5. It was a hard-fought battle that showcased the competitive nature of the tournament.
Nondies secured the ninth spot in the overall standings by defeating hosts Kisumu RFC with a narrow scoreline of 12-10. Despite Kisumu’s efforts, two well-converted tries from Nondies proved to be the deciding factor in the match.
Western Bulls finished in 13th place after defeating MMUST by a score of 19-12. Both teams, along with Makueni, faced relegation from the top division. However, there is a possibility for them to participate in the top division next weekend if they receive an invitation from the hosts, Mombasa.
The National 7s Circuit will continue next weekend at Mombasa Sports Club, where teams from across the country will gather to compete in the Driftwood 7s tournament.
Challenge Trophy Quarters
Nondescripts 19-0 Mombasa
Western Bulls 5-29 Daystar Falcons
Kisumu 17-12 Makueni
Masinde Muliro 7-19 Catholic Monks
Main Cup Quarters
Nakuru 0-19 Quins
Mwamba 0-22 Kabras
Strathmore 28-10 Homeboyz
KCB 14-12 Oilers
13th Place Semis
Mombasa 12-21 Western Bulls
Makueni RFC 0-46 Masinde Muliro
Challenge Trophy Semis
Nondies 14-5 Daystar Falcons
Kisumu 15-12 Catholic Monks
5th Place Semis
Nakuru 0-12 Mwamba
Homeboyz 14-19 Oilers
Main Cup Semis
Quins 14-15 Kabras
Strathmore 0-26 KCB
13th Place Finals
Western Bulls 19-12 MMUST
Challenge Trophy Final
Nondies 12-10 Kisumu
Fifth place
Mwamba 12-5 Oilers
Third place
Quins 19-24 Strathmore
Cup Final
Kabras vs KCB
