KCB has successfully retained their Kabeberi Sevens title, emerging as the 2024 champions after delivering a commanding 29-5 victory over Menengai Oilers in the final held at RFUEA Grounds on Sunday.
The Bankers showcased their formidable prowess on the pitch, demonstrating why they remain a dominant force in Kenya’s rugby sevens circuit.
Floyd Wabwire opened the scoring for KCB with a spectacular try, benefiting from a well-timed offload by the returning Kenya Sevens captain, Vincent Onyala. This early breakthrough set the tone for the match, giving KCB a 5-0 lead.
Capitalizing on their strong kick-off game, KCB quickly regained possession. Onyala once again played a pivotal role, setting up Emmanuel Opondo for a try near the posts, which was successfully converted to extend their lead to 12-0.
Former Shujaa star Jacob Ojee further ignited the crowd with a powerful run, bulldozing his way past Oilers’ Dennis Abukuse to score near the corner, pushing KCB’s lead to 17-0.
Before the halftime whistle, Festus Shiasi added to KCB’s advantage by finishing off a quick tap and go by Opondo, scoring near the corner and making it 22-0 at the break.
In the second half, the Oilers were penalized for a poor kick-off, and KCB’s Asati took full advantage. A quick tap-and-go released Opondo, who sprinted through the Oilers’ defense. Asati then completed the play with a try right under the posts, extending KCB’s lead to 29-0.
Although Abukuse managed to score a consolation try for the Oilers, the damage was done, and KCB secured the title with a convincing 29-7 win.
The victory solidified KCB’s dominance in the National Sevens Circuit, adding another title to their collection. Meanwhile, Oilers, who also finished as runners-up in the Dala Sevens held in Kisumu, had to settle for silver yet again.
In other results from the tournament, Kenya Harlequin, the Kakamega Sevens champions, clinched third place by defeating Catholic University Monks 33-14. Strathmore University Leos edged past Kabras Sugar with a narrow 14-12 win in the fifth-place playoff.
Kabras Sugar, who had suffered a 22-17 defeat to Strathmore in the preliminary rounds, finished in sixth place.
The Dala Sevens and Christie Sevens champions performed below expectations, exiting the main cup competition after a quarterfinal loss to the Oilers.
Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad claimed ninth place, overcoming Nondescripts 19-12, while the hosts, Mwamba, finished 13th with a dominant 37-5 win over Mount Kenya University.
The National Sevens Circuit will now take a two-week break before resuming with the Driftwood Sevens, scheduled to be held in Mombasa.
