NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT

Driftwood 7s holders Kabras RFC labour past Mwamba; MMUST, Quins shine

By Amanga collins

Posted on September 7, 2024

MMUST Rugby player Cyprian Ombaso taps the ball during a penalty. PHOTO/Brian Mwenje

Defending champions Kabras RFC, alongside MMUST Rugby, KCB Rugby, Nondies, and Daystar Falcons, secured victories in their opening round of matches at the Driftwood 7s held at Mombasa Sports Club.

In Pool C, Kabras RFC faced a tough challenge but managed to edge out Mwamba RFC 7-5. Mwamba dominated much of the first half and took a 5-0 lead with an unconverted try.

Kabras responded in the second half through an intercept try by Patrick Lumumba, which was converted by Eric Cantona, giving them a 7-5 lead.

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

Despite being reduced to six players after conceding several penalties, Kabras held on to secure the win.

League leaders Kenya Harlequin also enjoyed a successful start, scoring four tries to take the win in their opener, and they now lead the pool with a superior point differential, tying Kabras on three points.

Driftwood Pool D Drama

In Pool D, Zetech University mounted a comeback to draw 12-12 with Strathmore Leos. Strathmore led 12-0 after Nygel Amaitsa’s first-half try and a second score followed. However, late tries from Zetech allowed them to claw back into the game and secure a vital two points.

Catholic Monks also found themselves in a stalemate, drawing 5-5 with Kabete Stallions, leaving the pool wide open for the next rounds with all sides on two points.

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In Pool B, Menengai Oilers, missing the services of star player Dennis Abukuse and John Okoth, fell 12-7 to Nondies.

Oilers struck first with a try from Sam Mwaura, converted by Abutwalib Wesonga for a 7-0 lead. Nondies quickly responded with an unconverted try from Charles Odhiambo and later added a second try to secure a 12-7 victory.

Daystar Falcons started their campaign on a high, securing a 20-5 win over TUM Marines. The Falcons now lead Pool B with three points, followed closely by Nondies.

KCB, MMUST win in pool A

KCB Rugby opened their campaign with a 19-5 win over Blak Blad. Despite Blak Blad opening the scoring with a try, KCB rallied through Tyson Maina, who scored just before halftime, with Austin Sikutwa converting for a 7-5 lead.

KCB Rugby During the Dala 7S. Photo/Dave Mwaura.

In the second half, KCB extended their advantage with tries from Elvis Olukusi and another unconverted score to seal the win.

In the tournament’s first match, MMUST Rugby dominated hosts Mombasa RFC, winning 35-7. Mombasa’s captain Newton Malenya scored the opener, but MMUST responded emphatically.

Captain Veron Kaburu scored the first of his three tries, while Emmanuel Sakwa and Flavian Otiyo also added to the tally, with Cyprian Ombaso converting several of the tries to complete the rout.