NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT

Kabras hold off Harlequin to win 2024 Christie 7s

By Dennis O

Posted on July 28, 2024

Kabras RFC Eric Cantona race clear from Strathmore Leos. PHOTO/Tabby Nashipae

Kabras RFC are now three-time Christie 7s champions after defeating hosts Kenya Harlequins 17-12 in the final staged at the RFUEA Grounds.

Kabras drew first blood barely a couple of minutes into the clash, the Kakamega-based side receiving from kickoff before grinding through multiple phases before a gap opened on the outside for Patrick Lumumba to race clear.

Kabras RFC first try

Griffin’s Chao then unleashed pure brute to drive his way over the whitewash, Erick Cantona’s attempt at splitting the uprights successfully this time to give the Millers a 12-0 lead.

Kabras Dan Angwech races away from Quins defence, Photo Courtesy/ Lesnsah Image.

Amon Wamalwa would reply for the hosts minutes later, showing the green defence a clean pair of heels on his way to scoring near the corner under the keen attention of Cantona.

Wamalwa was on the scoreboard again for Quins, finding his way through a congested midfield to make it 12 ups.

Quins would be caught out again, committing too many numbers at the breakdown to allow Muhanji to pick and race a clear 80 meters before offloading to an oncoming Cantona to score Kabras’s winning try.

Kabras have now reclaimed the title they last won in 2016 and 2017.

3rd place playoff

Monks opened the scoring in the varsity Derby, number 10 dancing his way past two Leos defenders to dot down near the posts.

Monks would capitalise on a Leos mispass for the winger to race away from deep in their half to make it 12-0 at the breather.

EDITOR’S PICKS:

A tense second half would see Strathmore score at the business end, Gideon Makumi burging over for Leos’ consolation try.

The win means Monks finish third overall, and Strathmore are forced to settle for fourth early on.

5th place final

KCB scored twice in the first half, Levi Amunga first muscling his way over the line before Olukusi produced a little goosey on the outside to beat his marker for a 10-0 lead at halftime.

Peter Kilonzo extended the Bankers’ lead with a long-range strike from his own half.

kenya Harlequin Charles Kinyajui celebrates at Christie 7s. PHOTO/Tabby Nashipae

Clarkson Keegan then stepped past an unsuspecting Banker defence to pull one back for the Oilers. The oilers would add another try before KCB produced the final punch to seal fifth place.