NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT

Winning starts for Kabras, Quins and KCB in Prinsloo 7s round 1

By Amanga collins

Posted on September 14, 2024

Kabras RFC players at Dala 7s. PHOTO/Brian Mwenje

Prinsloo 7s holders Kabras RFC, National 7s Circuit title favourites Kenya Harlequin, KCB Rugby, and Strathmore Leos secured wins in the opening round of the competition at Nakuru Athletics Club.

Two draws were registered as teams battled for a strong start in the tournament.

Prinsloo 7s holders

Defending champions Kabras RFC began their title defence with a 26-5 victory over Stallions in the final match of the first group stage round.

Derrick Ashihundu in a past Kabras RFC match. PHOTO/Cmony Images

Kenya 7s forward Kevin Wekesa broke down the right wing, setting up Patrick Lumumba for an opening try, with Eric Cantona converting for a 7-0 lead.

Stallions responded quickly, scoring in the corner through Emmanuel Sigei after some slick play off the scrum.

However, Kabras extended their lead when Derrick Ashihundu broke through for another centre-post try.

In the second half, Jacton Osoo danced past defenders to score, stretching the lead to 19-5. Kabras sealed the win with another try, rounding off their performance.

Daystar Falcons also impressed with a 24-12 win, keeping their hopes of a third consecutive cup quarterfinal alive. Clinton Amukwachi opened the scoring before Patrick Odongo extended the lead to 10-0.

Kabarak hit back with a try just before halftime, then took a 12-10 lead with another converted effort. However, Daystar skipper Augustine Owino and Odongo each scored in the second half to secure the win.

Quins title charge alive

Kenya Harlequin edged past Menengai Oilers 17-12 in a closely contested match. Quins took the lead early through Lucky Dewald’s try, but Amon Wamalwa missed the conversion.

Kenya international Herman Humwa added another try, but Oilers responded after the break, with Timothy Okwemba and Chrispin Shitundo both crossing the line.

With Oilers pushing for a late winner, Quins turned over possession deep in their own half, allowing Wamalwa to race away and score the decisive try, keeping them on track for the National 7s Circuit title.

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Zetech Oaks also put in a strong performance, winning 35-5 against an invitational side, maintaining hopes of reaching another cup quarterfinal.

KCB secure victory

KCB Rugby claimed a 15-0 win over Mwamba RFC in Pool B. Brian Wahinya opened the scoring after benefiting from a Levy Amunga offload.

He added a second try just before halftime, crossing over after a penalty near the try line. Olukusi later added KCB’s third try, securing the win.

Nondies and Nakuru RFC played out a 5-5 draw. Benson Salem scored late in the first half for Nondies, but Nakuru responded through Javan Otieno just before the final whistle.

Strathmore Leos impress

Strathmore Leos had an impressive start, beating Catholic Monks 19-7. George Ooro scored twice, while Arnold Muitwa added a conversion for a 14-0 halftime lead.

Leos added five more points in the second half, and though Monks pulled one back following a sin-bin, the damage was done.

Kenya 7s’ Nygel Amaitsa scores for Strathmore Leos in Dala 7s. PHOTO/Zapper Images

Blak Blad and MMUST played to a 5-5 draw in another Pool C match. MMUST capitalized on a sin-bin for Blak Blad to score but could not convert. Blak Blad fought back in the second half to salvage the draw.