NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT

Nakuru pip KCB in Prinsloo 7s as Quins, Kabras RFC and Strath maintain perfect start

By Amanga collins

Posted on September 14, 2024

Nakuru RFC in a past action. Photo Courtesy/ nAKURU rfc

Kabras RFC, Kenya Harlequin, and Strathmore Leos secured second-round wins at the Prinsloo 7s held at Nakuru Athletics Club.

Meanwhile, hosts Nakuru RFC stunned National 7s Circuit defending champions KCB Rugby with a narrow 21-20 victory.

Prinsloo holders Kabras cruise

Defending champions Kabras RFC secured a dominant 38-0 win over 2024 Division II champions Kabarak University.

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

Kabras started strong with Jackson Siketa crossing the line early for a 7-0 lead. Biden Hayo added a second try, giving Kabras a 14-0 cushion at halftime.

The Sugarmen extended their lead in the second half, with William Mwanji scoring in the corner and Griffin Chao adding another to make it 26-0. Hayo then grabbed his second try of the match, followed by a final score from captain Brian Mutua to seal the 38-0 win.

In another match, Stallions led 12-0, but Daystar Falcons fought back to earn a 12-12 draw. Kabras now lead the pool with six points, while Daystar follows closely with five.

Quins edge closer

Kenya Harlequin continued their strong form with a 38-12 win over Mombasa RFC, inching closer to securing the National 7s Circuit title.

Quins took a commanding 21-7 lead at halftime, with Brian Ratilla’s kick-and-chase try among the highlights. Though Mombasa reduced the deficit to 21-12 and Quins conceded a yellow card, Charles Kinyajui’s late try, along with 12 more points, secured the 38-12 victory.

Menengai Oilers defeated Zetech Oaks 24-19 in a thrilling contest. Dennis Abukuse’s second-half brace proved crucial, including a last-minute try that clinched the win for the Oilers.

Quins now lead the pool with six points, while Zetech Oaks and Menengai Oilers are tied on four points.

Nakuru Stun KCB in Pool B Thriller

Pool B saw the biggest upset of the day as hosts Nakuru RFC edged KCB Rugby 21-20. KCB’s Jacob Ojee opened the scoring, but Nakuru quickly responded and converted to take a 7-5 lead.

Ojee then added a second try, and Austin Sikutwa extended KCB’s lead to 15-7. However, a sin-bin for KCB allowed Nakuru to score and close the gap to 15-14.

Nakuru took the lead after capitalizing on a penalty and another yellow card to KCB, making it 21-15. Nakuru held on in the final minutes, denying Ojee a try after he missed the ball following a kick and Nakuru cleared their lines. Although Sikutwa scored late on, Nakuru held on to claim a famous win.

Nondies picked up their first win of the tournament, defeating Mwamba 26-12. Nondies led through Benson Salem’s converted try before Mwamba leveled the scores with a breakaway effort.

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However, Charles Odhiambo restored Nondies’ lead, and Nyaenya Moseti added a try to push the score to 19-7. Mwamba reduced the deficit to 19-14, but Charles Odhiambo’s second try sealed the win for Nondies, leaving Mwamba facing the Challenge Trophy for the sixth consecutive tournament.

Nondies and Nakuru RFC both lead Pool B with five points, followed by KCB with four and Mwamba with two.

Strathmore Leos Dominate Pool C

Strathmore Leos secured their place in the quarterfinals with a 29-0 win over MMUST. Nygel Amaitsa scored a brace to give the Leos an early lead and further tries from Gabriel Ayimba and Collins Maina sealed the emphatic victory.\

Strathmore Leos huddle in Embu 7s. PHOTO/ Embu 7s/ Faceook

Blak Blad kept their quarterfinal hopes alive with a 19-10 win over Catholic Monks. Strathmore Leos now lead Pool C with six points, followed by Blak Blad with five.

MMUST have three points, while Catholic Monks trail with two.