NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT

KCB Rugby win 2023 National 7s Circuit, Kabeberi semi-final pairings confirmed

By Mahlon Lichuma

Posted on September 10, 2023

KCB Rugby in past event. Photo/KCB Rugby Twitter

KCB Rugby are the 2023 National 7s Circuit Champions after Kabras RFC crushed out of the race following a 12-5 loss to Menengai Oilers in the Kabeberi 7s quarters.

Oilers beat Kabras to knock them out of the race in what has been the Sugarmen’s impressive season since 2017.

Following the result, Menengai Oilers will face Nakuru RFC in the Cup semis while Nondies will be up against KCB Rugby in the first semi-final match slated for Sunday afternoon.

How Kabras lost race

Kabras went to the match needing to pick a win to hang on but lost 12-5 to Menengai Oilers in the Rai Derby.

Kabras and Menengai Oilers. PHOTO/ Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir

Menengai Oilers scored just before the halftime break with Andrew Odero scoring off a scrum. The try was converted for a 7-0 lead.

In the second half, the Oilers scored off the scrum to put Kabras under immense pressure.

Eric Cantona brought back Kabras into the game with his chip-over kick being collected by Humphrey Asirikwa. The conversion was off the target and the Oilers held on to deny Kabras the title.

Nondies unbeaten in 10

Nondies impressive run in the National 7s Circuit continued as they edged Strathmore Leos 7-5 to reach the last four.

This was a repeat of the Tisap 7s final which was decided in sudden death with Nondies winning 12-7.

A cagey half was witnessed and the lone try of the half came at the stroke of halftime with former Kenya U20 star Gabriel Ayimba scoring at the right corner for an unconverted try.

Strathmore Leos were reduced to six men for two minutes after a yellow card after a dangerous play. Nondies took advantage and scored through Charles Omondi whose try was converted for a lead.

Nondies held on the slim lead to once again reach the semis for the second weekend in a row. They are now on a 10-match winning streak.

KCB in Kabeberi 7s semis

KCB Rugby strolled past Mwamba, picking a commanding 33-7 win. Mwamba started off with a converted try. The try was after Eliakim Kichoi evaded his markers to score that opener.

KCB pulled back with a try on the left side after Brian Wahinya switch in play left Elphas Adunga with acres of space for an easy try. Brian Wahinya belted in a conversion from a tight angle for a 7-7.

Wahinya then quickly picked the ball off the scrum and raced on to score and converted for a 14-7 lead heading to the break.

In the second half, Mwamba lost their player to injury. Mwamba’s efforts were dealt a blow when Wahinya’s kick put Levy Amunga through and he kicked and recollected the ball to score.

Wahinya darting run saw him land his second of the day before the substitute Lionel Ajeliti landed the final try of the game for a 33-7 win.

KCB are into the semis.#Kabeberi7s pic.twitter.com/7P7EjSiO0d
— Kabeberi Sevens (@kabeberi7s) September 10, 2023

Nakuru RFC-Kenya Harlequin was decided in extra time with Wanyore winning 17-12.

Leon Nyang opened the scores for Quins with a try at the left corner off a grabber kick.

Chrissant Ojwang left his marker well-beaten to level matters and his try was converted for a 7-5 lead.

Nakuru stretched the lead off a scrum after four minutes into the second half. Quins fought back to score at the centre post for an easy conversion that tied the scores at 12-12 full-time.

Amos Obae landed the much-needed try in sudden for a 17-12 win.