NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT

KCB relinquish NSC title, miss Prinsloo quarters; Quins, Kabras and Leos unbeaten

By Amanga collins

Posted on September 14, 2024

KCB Rugby in past event. Photo/KCB Rugby Twitter

Kabras RFC, Kenya Harlequin, and Strathmore Leos secured crucial three wins on day one of the Prinsloo 7s at Nakuru Athletics Club.

Defending National 7s Circuit champions KCB Rugby were knocked out of the competition.

Kabras RFC stay in race

Kabras RFC continued their title defense with a convincing 26-5 victory over Daystar Falcons, despite being reduced to six men due to a red card.

The win keeps their hopes alive for both the Prinsloo 7s title and the overall National 7s Circuit crown.

Kenya 7s star Kevin Wekesa sparked Kabras’ attack, breaking through on the right wing and setting up Patrick Lumumba for a 7-0 lead.

Kabras RFC players James Olela, Brian Mutua and William Mwanji. PHOTO/Brian Mwenje

Eric Cantona then combined beautifully with Lumumba for a second try, extending the lead to 14-0.

Cantona added a try of his own, diving under the posts, and James Olela converted to make it 21-0. Daystar Falcons responded with a try through Trevor Opondo, reducing the deficit to 21-5. However, Kabras sealed the win with Brian Mutua’s try off a cross-kick from Olela, making it 26-5.

Meanwhile, Stallions also booked their first cup quarterfinal berth of the season after beating Kabarak University.

Quins sniff title

Kenya Harlequin took a major step towards winning the National 7s Circuit, as they topped Pool A with nine points after a 31-17 win over Zetech Oaks. They now need just one more win to secure the overall title.

Zetech Oaks conceded an early yellow card, which allowed Quins to capitalize on the extra man. Leonard Fogang opened the scoring, and Amon Wamalwa added the conversion for a 7-0 lead. Quins then doubled their advantage through Richel Wangila, who set up Wamalwa for a 14-0 lead.

Zetech fought back with two tries to close the gap to just two points. However, Charles Kinyajui extended Quins’ lead, and although Zetech responded again, a missed conversion left them trailing.

Quins sealed the win with tries from Leeon Nyang and Wamalwa off a scrum.

Menengai Oilers also advanced, thrashing Mombasa RFC 57-0 to finish second in Pool A with seven points.

KCB Knocked Out

KCB Rugby’s hopes of defending their National 7s Circuit title ended after a 7-7 draw with Nondies in Pool B.

The Bankers needed a win to progress but were held to a stalemate, which saw them miss out on the cup quarterfinals.

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Nondies opened the scoring with a converted try, leading 7-0. KCB fought back and equalized through Brian Wahinya after the final hooter, but it was too little, too late.

The draw eliminated KCB from contention, with Kabras RFC and Kenya Harlequin now poised to battle for the overall title.

Hosts Nakuru RFC topped Pool B with eight points after coming from behind twice to secure a 19-12 win over Mwamba. Nakuru will be joined by Nondies, who finished second with seven points.

KCB Rugby ended third with six points, while Mwamba was left to battle for the Challenge Trophy.

Strathmore Leos maintained their unbeaten run in Pool C, finishing with nine points after a dominant win over Blak Blad. Both Strathmore and Blak Blad advanced to the cup quarterfinals, securing their places in the next round.