NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT

Kabeberi 7s: KCB Rugby, MMUST, Menengai Oilers reach quarters; Kabras back to winning ways

By Mahlon Lichuma

Posted on August 24, 2024

Defending champions KCB Rugby, MMUST Rugby, and Menengai Oilers have secured their places in the Cup quarterfinals with a game to spare after impressive performances in the second round of the Kabeberi 7s at RFUEA Grounds.

Kabras RFC bounced back with a crucial win, and Strathmore Leos returned to the quarters for the first time since the Christie 7s.

KCB Rugby in Kabeberi 7s quarters

KCB Rugby clinched their spot in the Cup quarters with a 29-5 victory over Mwamba. Floyd Wabwire opened the scoring for a 5-0 lead before Brian Mutugi and Tony Omondi combined to level the score at 5-5.

KCB took a 12-5 lead into halftime after Kenya 7s skipper Vincent Onyala scored his second try.

Menengai Oilers vs KCB. Photo/Dave Mwaura

In the second half, Wabwire scored again, and Jacob Ojee added another try to extend the lead to 24-5. Festus Shiasi sealed the win, ensuring KCB’s fourth consecutive quarterfinal appearance.

MMUST Rugby secured their place in the quarterfinals with a 22-0 win over MKU Thika, marking their fourth consecutive quarterfinal appearance this season. Both KCB and MMUST have six points, but KCB hold the advantage due to a superior point differential ahead of the Pool D decider.

Kabras RFC Back in Contention

Kabras RFC made a strong bounceback, defeating Impala RFC 31-7. Biden Hayo’s try gave Kabras a 7-0 lead, and William Mwanji added a second try before leaving the field with a hamstring injury.

Despite his exit, Kabras continued their strong performance with a try from Brian Mutua and another from Hillary Salano, securing a 31-7 victory.

Kenya Harlequin in action against MMUST. PHOTO/Brian Mwenje

Strathmore Leos lead in Pool A following a 24-0 win over Nakuru RFC. Nygel Amaitsa scored twice, ensuring Leos’ return to the quarterfinals for the first time this since Christie 7s. Leos lead the pool with six points, while Kabras and Nakuru RFC have four points each.

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In Pool B, Menengai Oilers continued their strong performance with a 43-7 win over Kisumu RFC. Dennis Abukuse opened the scoring, followed by a try from Kenya Simbas fly-half Abutwalib Wesonga.

Despite a brief stoppage due to injury, the Oilers added further tries from Beldad Ogeta, Abukuse, Amos Obae, and Elkeans Musonye to secure a 43-7 victory.

Catholic Monks also secured a place in the quarterfinals with a 19-17 win, joining the Oilers on six points. The two teams will face off in the Pool B decider.

Daystar caused a major upset in Pool C with a 24-5 win over Nondies, leaving the pool wide open. Kenya Harlequin also secured a dramatic 24-19 victory over Blak Blad.

Blad led 14-7 at halftime, but Quins fought back to lead 19-14. Blad scored late to tie the game, but a missed conversion kept their hopes of victory in check. In the final minutes, Amon Wamalwa scored the winning try for Quins after a kick and chase.

Following this win, Kenya Harlequin lead the pool with six points, while Nondies and Daystar have four points each. Blad Blad remain on two points.