The second round of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) national sevens circuit kicked off today with thrilling action at the ASK Kakamega Show Grounds. Hosts and round one Christie 7s champions, Kabras RFC, dominated the opening fixtures, booking an early quarter-final slot and setting the stage for an exciting tournament.
Kabras RFC made a powerful statement in their home tournament, delivering a commanding 31-05 victory against Blak Blad. The home team’s most valuable player from last week, Erick Cantona, opened the scoring with a blistering run, benefiting from a well-timed offload. Patrick Lumumba quickly followed with a second try, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Blak Blad. Despite a spirited response from Blak Blad’s skipper, Abutwalib Wesonga, who scored at the stroke of halftime, Kabras extended their lead in the second half. Tries from William Mwanji and Jackton Osoo sealed the deal, showcasing Kabras’ dominance on the field.
Kabras continued their winning streak by stunning their neighbors, Western Bulls RFC, with a resounding 34-00 victory. This triumph secured their quarter-final ticket, solidifying their reputation as a formidable force in the circuit.
In other matches, Blak Blad, representing Kenya’s universities, stunned their varsity counterparts, Mmust RFC, with an impressive 34-14 victory. Major Mulongo’s hattrick was instrumental in handing the Moto William-led charges their first win of the tournament in pool A round matches.
Nondies also began their campaign on a high note, securing a solid 21-5 win over city rivals Mwamba RFC. Three converted tries ensured maximum points for Ben Nyambua’s side. Nondies further demonstrated their prowess by defeating Daystar Falcons 24-12, booking a quarter-final ticket with one match to go.
The Menengai Oilers showcased their resilience by overcoming a two-point halftime deficit to defeat Kisumu RFC 27-5. Meanwhile, Homeboyz Rugby edged out Catholic Monks in a thrilling encounter, winning 17-15 after a tense second half.
KCB Rugby proved too strong for Christie 7s Division 2 winners, Stallions, cruising to a 34-0 victory. The match highlighted KCB’s strength and strategic play, as they easily outmaneuvered their opponents.
Strathmore Leos narrowly defeated Nakuru RFC in a closely contested match. Matoka Matoka’s two tries and a late score by Victor Odhiambo sealed a 17-10 win, demonstrating the Leos’ ability to perform under pressure.
In the ladies’ matches, Shamberere delivered a dominating performance, defeating Black Rock 22-00. The match showcased Shamberere’s strength and coordination, highlighting their potential as strong contenders in the tournament.
As the KRU Ingo 7s continues, the excitement and intensity are expected to rise. The early fixtures have set a high standard, with teams showcasing their skills, strategy, and determination. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matches as the tournament progresses, with the quarter-finals promising to be a battleground for the top teams vying for glory.
The success of Kabras RFC and Nondies in the opening fixtures underscores their status as top contenders. Their performances have not only thrilled their supporters but also set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament. With more action to come, the ASK Kakamega Show Grounds will be the epicenter of rugby excellence, as teams battle it out for the coveted title in the KRU national sevens circuit.
