Kabras RFC made a glorious return to the spotlight by claiming victory in the third leg of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit at the Dala 7s, defeating Menengai Oilers 24-5 in a thrilling final.
The Millers secured an early lead in the first half, with stunning performances from Patrick Lumumba, Jackson Siketa, and William Mwanji, propelling them to a commanding 17-0 lead. Both sides displayed high spirited determination in the second half with Kabras prevailing to seal their second win in the circuit having beaten Kenya Harlequins (Quins), in the first leg at Christie 7s in Nairobi.
Fast-rising Kenya Under-20 player, Jackson Siketa, who emerged the Most Valuable Player in the competition attributed their win to hard work, adequate training and a good playing strategy. He was backed up by Kabras 7s Head Coach, Felix Ayange, who acknowledged the team effort displayed by his players.
“This is our first win ever in Dala 7s and it feels really good considering the slow start to the competition. The team composition of young and seasoned players has ultimately bolstered the overall performance,” said Ayange.
Quins won the third place play-off match as KCB lifted the 5th place trophy while Strathmore and Homeboyz won the Challenge Trophy and 13th place trophy respectively. SportPesa’s Communications and Partnerships Manager, Willis Ojwang, expressed enthusiasm about the rising competitiveness in the circuit.
“The return of the Olympians and the allure of the SportPesa rewards have significantly driven up the level of play. As we move to the Kabeberi 7s in Nairobi, we anticipate a vibrant atmosphere in this coming weekend. We encourage the fans to come out in large numbers to cheer on their favourite teams,” Ojwang remarked.
Earlier, Kabras had annihilated Ingo 7s winners Quins, with an outcome of 17-00 on their way to the finals of the second leg, as Menengai Oilers showed great determination with a 29-14 win against Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on their way to meet Kabras in the finals.
Kenya Rugby Union CEO, Thomas Odundo while lauding the players for their good show in Kisumu, predicted an even more competitive leg of the SportPesa 7s in Nairobi with the return of the Olympians.
“Despite a slow start at Dala 7s, the tournament was a huge success with the national team players elevating the competition and we look forward to Kabeberi 7s with even higher expectations as we come to the halfway mark of the circuit,” noted Odundo.
Kabeberi 7s slated for the 24th and 25th August, kicks off the first of the remaining three legs in the SportPesa National 7s Circuit, where the teams will continue battling it out for the ultimate cash prize of Kes 300,000.
Selected results
Main Cup quarters
- Menengai Oilers 12-5 Nondescripts
- Catholic Monks 12-17 MMUST
- KCB Rugby 5-12 Kenya Harlequin
- Kabras Sugar 32-0 Nakuru RFC
Semis finals
- Menengai Oilers 29-10 MMUST
- Kenya Harlequin 0-17 Kabras RFC
Finals:
Menengai Oilers 5-24 Kabras RFC