The Christie 7s national circuit witnessed thrilling encounters as Kabras Sugar triumphed over reigning circuit champions KCB RFC, securing their place in the semifinals. The action-packed second day of the tournament unfolded at the RFUEA Grounds on Sunday, showcasing the grit and determination of the competing teams.
Kabras Sugar demonstrated their prowess early in the Division One quarterfinal, drawing first blood with a try by Biden Hayo, which was successfully converted, giving them an early 7-0 lead. KCB RFC, the defending champions, fought back with a try from Emmanuel Opondo in the closing moments of the first half. However, Levy Amunga’s missed conversion left the score at 7-5 in favor of Kabras.
The second half saw Kabras maintain their momentum and defensive strength, leading to a decisive second try by Victor Otien, extending their lead to 12-5. Despite KCB’s best efforts to close the gap, Kabras’ resilient defense held firm, securing their place in the semifinals.
In another riveting quarterfinal match, hosts Kenya Harlequins delivered a commanding performance against the 2022 circuit champions Menengai Oilers. The Harlequins showcased their defensive and offensive capabilities, achieving a 12-0 victory. This win propelled them into the semifinals and solidified their status as formidable contenders.
The 2022 Christie 7s champions also had a challenging match against Masinde Muliro. In a nail-biting contest, they managed to edge out their opponents with a narrow 12-10 victory, ensuring their progression to the semifinals. This match highlighted the high level of competition and the slim margins that can separate victory from defeat in the Christie 7s.
Adding to the excitement, the Catholic Monks made history by reaching the semifinals for the first time. Their decisive 33-12 win over Nondescripts was a testament to their skill and strategic gameplay. The Monks’ comprehensive victory ensured their advancement while relegating Nondescripts to compete for the fifth-place trophy.
As the tournament heads into the semifinals, the matchups promise to be intense. Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar will face Strathmore Leos, a clash anticipated to be fiercely competitive given both teams’ impressive performances thus far. Strathmore Leos, known for their tactical prowess and agility, will need to bring their best game to overcome the formidable Kabras squad.
The hosts, Kenya Harlequins, will play against the Catholic Monks in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter. The Harlequins, buoyed by their home advantage and recent performance, will face a determined Monks team eager to continue their historic run in the tournament.
In the fifth-place semifinal matches, KCB RFC will take on Masinde Muliro. Both teams, having narrowly missed out on the semifinals, will be eager to redeem themselves and claim the fifth-place trophy. Menengai Oilers will go up against Nondescripts in another fifth-place semifinal, with both teams looking to end their tournament on a high note.
The Christie 7s has once again delivered a weekend of exhilarating rugby, with teams showcasing skill, determination, and sportsmanship. As the tournament progresses to the semifinals, fans can expect more high-octane action and memorable moments, epitomizing the spirit and excitement of rugby sevens.
