NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT

Blad qualify for last 4 as Driftwood 7s semi-final pairings are confirmed

By Amanga collins

Posted on September 8, 2024

Blak Blad players in a past action. Photo Courtesy/Denis Acre-half

Blak Blad secured their first semi-final appearance of the season and will join Driftwood 7s defending champions Kabras RFC, KCB Rugby, and Kenya Harlequin in the last four at the competition being played at Mombasa Sports Club.

In the Cup semis, holders Kabras RFC will face off against KCB Rugby, while Kenya Harlequin have been paired against Blak Blad.

Blak Blad reach semis

Blak Blad’s semi-final qualification came after a hard-fought 12-5 win over Daystar Falcons. In a tightly contested first half, both defences held firm, resulting in a 0-0 scoreline at the break.

In the second half, Derrick Masese broke the deadlock with a try under the posts, and captain Shuaib Wesonga added a second, powering through for a corner flag try.

Blak Blad players after a past match. PHOTO/Blak Blad

Kenya Harlequin, who only conceded 19 points in the tournament, all against Kabras RFC, were in dominant form.

They raced to three tries in the first half, converting one to take a 17-0 lead against Zetech Oaks.

A further 10 points in the second half saw them comfortably advance to the semis for the fifth consecutive time this season.

Holders Kabras RFC Hold On

Kabras RFC kept their title defense alive after edging out Strathmore Leos 7-5 in a tense quarterfinal.

Patrick Lumumba’s powerful run gave Kabras a 7-0 lead after a successful conversion. Despite playing with a man down after a yellow card, Kabras held on until halftime.

Strathmore Leos hit back through Collins Maina, but their missed conversion left them trailing. Kabras managed to fend off a late Leos surge, taking advantage of a forward pass to secure possession and kick out for the win.

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KCB Rugby Sail

KCB Rugby reached their fourth semi-final of the season with a dominant 29-0 victory over Nondies. Festus Shiasi opened the scoring in the left corner, and Austin Sikutwa added a second before halftime for a 10-0 lead.

Sikutwa’s second-half heroics saw him complete a hattrick, extending the lead to 24-0. Lionel Ajeliti sealed the win with the final try, ensuring KCB’s comfortable passage to the semis.

Mwamba RFC players ahead of a Kenya Cup match. PHOTO/Mwamba Rugby/X

Mwamba RFC managed to avoid relegation this time with a 22-14 win over Catholic Monks, who, along with TUM Marines, Mombasa, and Nakuru RFC, faced relegation. Nakuru RFC, however, will participate in next weekend’s Prinsloo 7s as hosts, while Catholic Monks, Mombasa, and TUM Marines hope for an invitation to return.