NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT

Kenya Harlequin win 2024 National 7s Circuit title; Nondies beat Kabras to reach final

By Amanga collins

Posted on September 15, 2024

kenya Harlequin Charles Kinyajui celebrates at Christie 7s. PHOTO/Tabby Nashipae

Kenya Harlequin are the 2024 National 7s Circuit champions after their closest challengers, Kabras RFC, were eliminated in the Prinsloo 7s semi-final by Nondies at Nakuru Athletics Club.

Nondies, who had already delayed Quins’ title win earlier in the day, once again helped seal the deal by defeating Kabras 15-5 in the first Prinsloo 7s semi-final.

With this loss, Kabras are now set to finish second, as the maximum points they can collect is 105, while Quins are guaranteed at least 109 points.

Quins National 7s Circuit Titles

With this victory, Kenya Harlequin joins their neighbours Impala, Mwamba RFC, and KCB Rugby as one of the most successful sides in the National 7s Circuit.

This marks their fourth overall win, adding to their successes in 2005, 2006, and 2012.

MMUST rugby vs Kenya Harlequin. PHOTO/Brian Mwenje

Nondies started strong, scoring the first try and taking a 5-0 lead. After winning possession from the kickoff, Benson Salem sold a dummy, leaving Derrick Ashihundu trailing, and added another try for a 10-0 advantage.

Kabras responded quickly after the restart when an offload found Jackson Siketa, who dashed across the field to open Kabras’ account.

In the second half, Nyaenya Moseti extended Nondies’ lead with a try at the corner. Kabras came close to pulling one back but were denied when Brian Mutua knocked on, giving Nondies the advantage they needed to hold on for the win.

Nondies’ victory sees them advance to the final, setting up a rematch of the 2023 Tisap 7s with Strathmore Leos, which they won in sudden death 12-7.

Leos qualification

Strathmore Leos needed extra time to beat Menengai Oilers 17-12 in a tense semi-final clash. Oilers got off to a fast start, with Lucky Byron scoring for a 7-0 lead. Strathmore responded through Kenyan international George Ooro, tying the match at 7-7 by halftime.

EDITOR’S PICKS:

In the second half, Collins Maina gave Strathmore a lead, but Dennis Abukuse’s late try levelled the score at 12-12. The game went into sudden death, where Strathmore won immediately after kickoff, with Ooro claiming the ball and scoring the decisive try.

How Quins Sealed the Title

Kenya Harlequin, aware that they needed to keep winning, comfortably defeated Blak Blad 24-5 in the quarterfinals, boosting their point differential and overtaking Kabras.

But it was Nondies’ victory over Kabras that ultimately decided the race for the title.

Catholic Monks in attack against Kenya Harlequin in Christie 7s. PHOTO/Tabby Nashipae

Quins earned an early penalty try after Kelvin Gathu’s high tackle on David Williams resulted in a yellow card.

Quins took full advantage of the situation, pouncing on a loose ball and scoring under the posts to go 14-0 ahead. Just before halftime, Quins added another try for a commanding 19-0 lead.

Although Meja Mulongo pulled one back for Blak Blad with an unconverted try, Amon Wamalwa sealed Quins’ win with a late try.

Nakuru RFC secured a place in the fifth-place final after a dominant 20-0 win over Stallions. Philip Okeyo, Felix Okoth, and Paul Lusesi all scored to ensure their team advanced. Nakuru will now face Kenya Harlequin in the fifth-place playoff.