Christie 7s defending champions KCB Rugby, Kabras RFC, Kenya Harlequin registered wins in their Christie 7s openers played at RFUEA on Saturday morning.
University side Catholic Monks produced the first shock of the day by defeating Nakuru RFC in the opening match of Pool B.
KCB, Nondies in Christie 7s openers
KCB Rugby came from behind to pick a 17-14 win over Homeboyz in a match that they had trailed at the break.
KCB Rugby in past event. Photo/KCB Rugby Twitter
Homeboyz had an impressive start, controlling possession with a patient build-up that saw them land the opening try through Mike Nyakundi. Mohammed Omollo converted from a tight angle for a 7-0 lead.
The Deejays continued to enjoy possession, and several offloads saw Tony Maina score under the posts. Another conversion by Omollo ensured a 14-0 lead at the break.
In the final half, KCB came back stronger. A change of direction saw experienced Jacob Ojee land a try, which Levy Amunga converted for a 14-7 scoreline.
The Bankers cut the gap further when Brian Wahinya wrestled his way over for a 14-12 after Lionel Ajeliti missed the conversion from a close angle.
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Ajeliti redeemed himself by landing the winning try for the Bankers, earning them three points. Nondies also picked up three points and led Pool A with a superior point differential after a 27-5 win over Impala.
Christie 7s Pool B
Catholic Monks produced the first upset of the day by defeating Nakuru RFC 21-12 in the Pool B opener.
Monks had a dream start with unmarked Isaac Kubasu racing clear to score the opening try, which was converted for a 7-0 lead. Kelvin Mburu stretched the lead to 14-0. Victor Omupere ensured a 21-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Nakuru pulled back with two tries but could not close the gap.
Despite conceding three yellow cards, Kabras RFC started strongly to beat Kisumu RFC 26-5 to top Pool B with three points and a superior point differential.
The Sugarmen stole the ball off the line-out, with Biden Hayo racing clear after the steal to score the opener, which Eric Cantona converted for a 7-0 lead.
Cantona was yellow-carded in the final minutes of the game, but Kabras still had the last laugh in the half when Patrick Lumumba intercepted and scored at the left corner.
In the second half, Kabras started with a man down but went on to score the third try. Collins Osore’s decision to attack the left side was fruitful as he fed Captain Brian Mutua, who magically beat his markers to score the third try.
Kabras conceded another yellow card with William Mwanji sent off. This did not dampen Kabras’ efforts, as Biden Hayo raced clear for a center post try, which was converted for a 26-0 lead.
Mwanji was yellow-carded once again late in the second half, and Habil Malika scored against his former side for a 26-5 scoreline.
Pool C
Kenya Harlequins started their Pool C fixtures with a 33-7 win over Daystar Falcons, putting five tries past the University side who only got on the scoreboard courtesy of a penalty try late in the first half.
Wiseman Aganya and Brian Ratilla scored for Quins in the first half while Albert Alela and substitute Amon Wamalwa who grabbed a brace were the scorers as the hosts opened their tournament on a high.
Strathmore Leos and Blak Blad faced off in a tight encounter, Leos coming out on top 14-5, scoring a try in both halfs to Blad’s solitary unconverted try.
Pool D
Mwamba opened their campaign strongly, putting four tries past UOE in a cagy encounter where Kulabu failed to stamp their authority, allowing the Rift side to run in three tries of their own in the 24-17 win.
Former Kenya Harlequins winger Iddi Kaikai’s double and another brace from Kenya U20 prodigy Eugine Odhiambo ensured Mwamba got their campaign underway on a positive note.
Menengai Oilers closed the first round of action with a 24-12 win over MMUST, scoring two tries in each half while the Kakamega based MMUST got on the scoreboard courtesy of two first half tries.
CHRISTIE 7S ORDER OF PLAY
Nondies 27-5 Impala
KCB rugby 17-14 Homeboyz
Nakuru RFC 12-21 Catholic Monks
Kabras Sugar 26-5 Kisumu RFC
Kenya Harlequin 33-7 Daystar Falcons
Strathmore Leos 14-5 Blak Blad
Mwamba RFC 24-17 UoE Trojans
Menengai Oilers 24-12 MMUST
Nondies vs Homeboyz 12:20
KcB Rugby vs Impala RFC 12:40
Nakuru RFC vs Kisumu RFC 1:00
Kabras Rugby vs Catholics Monks 1:20
Kenya Harlequin vs Blak Blad 1:40
Strathmore Leos vs Daystar Falcons 2:00
Mwamba RFC vs MMUST 2:40
Menengai Oilers vs UoE Trojans 3:00
Homeboyz vs Impala 3:40
Kisumu RFC vs Catholic Monks 4:00
Blak Blad vs Daystar Falcobs 4:20
MMUST vs UoE Trojans 4:40
KCB Rugby vs Nondies 5:00
Kabras Rugby vs Nakuru RFC 5:20
Strathmore Leos vs Kenya Harlequin 5:40
Menengai Oilers vs Mwamba 6:00
