The Dala Sevens, the third round of the National Sevens Circuit, kicked off with high energy at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, on Saturday. After a two-week hiatus, the tournament returned with a bang, showcasing a dramatic start and intriguing performances. Masinde Muliro University of Technology (MMUST RFC) and Kabras RFC emerged as the standout teams, leaving an indelible mark on the event.
MMUST RFC, guided by Coach John Asila, began their campaign with impressive dominance. In their opening Pool C fixture, MMUST edged past hosts Kisumu RFC with a hard-fought 21-15 victory. This win set the tone for what would be a strong performance throughout the day. MMUST then demonstrated their attacking prowess in a commanding 29-14 win over Kabete Stallions, securing their place in the quarter-finals with an impressive show of skill and strategy.
Kabras RFC, the Christie 7s champions, continued their winning ways with an equally dominant performance. They started their day with a convincing 24-0 victory against Kabete Stallions, showcasing their depth and skill. Their second match of the day saw them further assert their dominance as they defeated the Dala Sevens hosts, Kisumu RFC, with a decisive 22-5 win. Kabras’ performances in these matches set them up for a crucial last Pool C fixture against MMUST, promising an exciting clash as the tournament progresses.
Defending champions KCB Rugby Club also began their title defense on a high note. Their campaign started with a resounding 24-0 victory over Blak Blad. KCB’s dominance continued as they secured a 38-5 win against Homeboyz RFC. These victories not only showcased KCB’s strength but also set the stage for a thrilling continuation of their quest to retain the Dala Sevens title.
Fresh off their Ingo 7s triumph, Kenya Harlequins displayed their readiness to contend with a narrow 17-12 victory over Strathmore Leos. Harlequins’ winning streak continued as they clinched a 17-7 win against Mwamba. Unfortunately for Mwamba, this loss meant they would miss out on the quarter-finals for the third consecutive year. Strathmore Leos, too, faced disappointment as they failed to advance to the next stage for the second time in a row.
Other notable results from the Dala Sevens included a solid 19-0 win for CUEA against Daystar, and a hard-fought 19-14 victory for Nakuru over Zetech. Nondies managed to secure a 17-14 win against Blak Blad, while Oilers achieved a convincing 31-0 win over Mwamba. The Kenya Harlequins’ second victory saw them defeat Strathmore Leos 17-12, adding to the day’s excitement.
As the first day of the Dala Sevens concluded, the stage is set for an exhilarating conclusion to the tournament. With MMUST RFC and Kabras RFC leading the charge, and defending champions KCB Rugby Club proving their mettle, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming fixtures. The results from the first day have set a high bar for performance, ensuring that the remainder of the tournament will be fiercely contested.
The Dala Sevens continues to deliver thrilling rugby action, highlighting the growing competitiveness and skill within the Kenyan rugby scene. As teams gear up for the next rounds, all eyes will be on the standout performers of the day, with hopes high for an engaging and memorable conclusion to this year’s tournament.
