Making their first appearance at the finals for the last 22 years, Nondescript edged out Strathmore University side Leos to win the inaugural Tisap sevens, the Kenya Rugby Union national Circuit played at the Eldoret Sports Club today.
Charles Odhiambo touched down the sudden death try to hand Nondies their maiden title with a 12-07 win against Strathmore University side the Leos after battling out to 7-all during the finals, the first time since 2000 when they played at the finals when they played against Kisumu.
Nondies scored first when Daniel Okito converted Moses Begi’s try to hand the champions the lead in the third minute.
In the 6th minute Andrew Matoka touched down with Stephen Ousmba adding extras to level the score into the break.
On resumption, the teams played all levels forcing the game into sudden death.
Nondies head coach Benedict Nyambu praised his team for the victory that has lasted for over 23 years. He said the boys believed in themselves for the battle of the title.
“This win has come from far. I can say hard work pays and that has been proved today in Eldoret. Our strategy was that when the ball bounces we regrouped and that is why we have won in the sudden death. This win is a real boost towards the Kabeberi 7s in Nairobi in two weeks’ time,’ said Nyambu.
The winners captain Fidel Oloo, popularly called the baboon said they had prepared well for the tournament that’s why we have reached the finals.
“We were well prepared for the next tournament, we are taking no chances, it is history we have made since we last played finals was in 2000,” he added.
In the semifinals, the champions edged out Menengai Oilers 10-07 while Leos were 8-5 winners over Mwamba RFC.
Osumba failed to convert Collins Maina’s try before Osumba’s drop kick earned them the final.
At the quarterfinals, Oilers beat KCB Rugby 10-5 as Nondies defeated Kisumu 10-07. In the other quarterfinals Mwamba shocked series leaders Kabras Sugar 19-05.
In the bronze medal, mwamba edged out Oilers 12-07.
United States International University (USIU) were the Division One winners following their 21-19 win over Tisap co-hosts Moi University side Arsonists.
Final main cup
Nondescripts 12-07 Strathmore Leos
Play-off
Menengai Oilers 07-12 Mwamba
Division one final
USIU 21-19 Moi University
Semis
1. Strathmore Loes 8-5 mwamba
2. Menengai Oilers 7-10 Nondescripts
Quarters
1. KCB 5-10 Menengai Oilers
2. Nondescripts 10-07 Kisumu
3. Strathmore Leos 26-0 Blak Blad
4. Kabras Sugar 5-19 mwamba