The race for the National 7s Circuit title remains open after Prinsloo 7s holders Kabras RFC advanced to the semifinals, while Kenya Harlequin were eliminated in the quarterfinals at Nakuru Athletics Club.
For Kabras RFC to claim the National 7s Circuit title, they need to not only reach the final but also win the tournament, while hoping that Quins do not achieve a fifth-place finish.
If Kabras win the Prinsloo 7s and Quins finish fifth, both teams would tie at 107 points. In this case, the title would be decided by point differential or other tiebreakers.
Prinsloo 7s semis
In the semifinal matchups, Kabras RFC will face Nondies, while Menengai Oilers will take on Strathmore Leos.
Kenya Harlequin’s Charles Kinyanjui reacts in a past match. PHOTO/Brian Mwenje
Nondies delayed Kenya Harlequin’s title hopes with a close 15-12 victory, leaving Quins relying on Kabras to falter in the remaining matches or a fifth-place finish to keep hope alive.
Nondies vs. Kenya Harlequin was a tightly contested match. Amon Wamalwa gave Quins an early lead with a kick-and-chase try, awarded after consultation with the assistant referee.
Nondies quickly responded when Benson Salem charged into Quins’ territory, allowing Ronnie Omondi to score. Omondi added a second try soon after, picking the ball from the scrum and sprinting across for a 10-7 lead.
Quins fought back with a try from Leonard Fogang, but Nondies had the final say with a decisive try to win 15-12, despite Quins’ late efforts.
Meanwhile, Kabras RFC laboured past Blak Blad winning 10-0 to keep their title hopes alive. Blak Blad, reduced to five men at one point, still posed a challenge for Kabras, who struggled to capitalize on the advantage.
Kabras finally broke through in the second half, with Kenya U20 playmaker Jackson Siketa scoring in the corner the try came after they were reduced to six.
Derrick Ashihundu later set up Patrick Lumumba for the final try, sealing the win for Kabras.
In a thrilling Nakuru derby, Menengai Oilers staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Nakuru RFC 24-17.
Nakuru started strong, with Felix Okoth scoring the opening try and Javan Otieno adding another from a clever up-and-under kick, giving them a 12-0 lead.
However, Oilers rallied, with Steve Arunga pulling one back before halftime.
In the second half, the Oilers continued their fightback, scoring immediately on return before Dennis Abukuse came off the bench to give them their first lead, and Philip Okeyo latched onto a kick to tie the game for Nakuru. Abukuse then sealed the win with a final try.
Strathmore Leos huddle in Embu 7s. PHOTO/ Embu 7s/ Faceook
Strathmore Leos also continued their impressive form, cruising past Stallions 26-5 to reach the semifinals. Gabriel Ayimba opened the scoring for Leos, with Stallions quickly responding. However, Leos took control of the game with a series of tries from Nygel Amaitsa and Philemon Olang, securing a comfortable win.
Prinsloo 7s day 2 fixtures
Challenge Trophy
- Zetech Oaks 24-17 Mwamba
- Daystar 14-12 MMUST
- KCB Rugby 39-0 Mombasa
- Catholic Monks 35-5 Kabarak
Cup quarters
- Kenya Harlequin 12-15 Nondies
- Kabras RFC 10-0 Blak Blad
- Nakuru RFC 17-24 Menengai Oilers
- Strathmore Leos 26-5 Stallions – 11:20
- Ladies Rank 1 vs Rank 4 – 11:40
- Semis Rank 3 vs Rank 2 – 12:00
Semis
13th place
- Mwamba RFC vs MMUST– 12:20
- Mombasa RFC vs Kabarak – 12:40
Challenge Trophy
- Zetech Oaks vs Daystar Falcons– 13:00
- KCB Rugby vs Catholic Monks– 13:20
5th place
- Kenya Harlequin vs Blak Blad– 13:40
- Nakuru RFC vs Stallions– 14:00
Cup semis
- Nondes vs Kabras RFC– 14:20
- Menengai Oilers vs Strathmore Leos– 14:40
- 13th Place Finals – 15:00
- 9th Place Finals – 15:20
- 5th Place Finals – 16:00
- Bronze Match Finals – 16:20
- Division 2 Finals – 16:40
- Women’s Finals – 17:00
- Main Cup Finals – 17:20
