The Kabeberi Sevens, the fourth round of the Kenya Rugby Union’s national sevens circuit, kicked off with electrifying matches at the RFUEA grounds in Nairobi. As expected, the tournament provided high-intensity rugby and dramatic moments, with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) making a significant impression on the opening day.
MMUST, rejuvenated and in fine form, began their campaign with a notable victory over host team Mwamba RFC. The match ended 10-7 in favor of the university side, with MMUST showcasing resilience and tactical acumen. Mwamba RFC took an early lead with a converted try by Tony Omondi, but MMUST bounced back strongly. Captain Veron Kaburu and Emmanuel Sakwa scored crucial tries, sealing a memorable win for their team.
MMUST’s momentum did not falter as they continued to impress in their second match of the day. They delivered a commanding performance against Mount Kenya University, securing a 22-0 victory. The university team’s solid defense and swift counterattacks were instrumental in their success, marking them as a formidable contender in this year’s tournament.
On the contrary, the day was less favorable for Mwamba RFC. Their early defeat to MMUST was followed by a challenging encounter with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB). KCB, known for their strong sevens squad, demonstrated their dominance with a 25-9 win over Mwamba. The defeat compounded Mwamba’s disappointment and highlighted the need for tactical adjustments as they progress in the tournament.
Kisumu RFC, another team struggling to find their rhythm, faced a tough start to the tournament. Their recent poor form continued as they failed to secure a win in their opening matches. The hosts of last weekend’s Dala 7s, where they had also failed to impress, were edged out by Catholic Monks with a narrow 10-0 loss. Kisumu’s challenges were further exacerbated in their second match, where they suffered a heavy 43-7 defeat to Menengai Oilers. The Oilers, known for their high-tempo style, were relentless, with Dennis Abukuse scoring two tries to lead the charge against Kisumu.
In other notable results from the day, Nakuru narrowly defeated Impala with a score of 21-14. Strathmore Leos delivered a surprise performance by overcoming Kabras Sugar 22-17, showcasing their potential in the competition. Menengai Oilers continued their impressive form with a resounding 43-0 win over Stallions, maintaining their perfect record. Nondescripts also claimed a victory, defeating Blak Blad 26-14.
Kenya Harlequin, a strong title contender, had a solid start with a 17-7 win against Daystar Falcons. They followed up with a close 24-19 victory over Blak Blad, demonstrating their resilience and skill. Kabras Sugar managed to recover from their earlier loss with a commanding 31-7 win over Impala. Strathmore Leos continued their impressive form, dispatching Nakuru 24-0 in their second match of the day, further solidifying their position as a team to watch.
As the Kabeberi Sevens progresses, the performances of MMUST and Menengai Oilers stand out, with both teams making strong statements in the opening rounds. Conversely, Kisumu RFC’s ongoing struggles and Mwamba’s need for tactical adjustments will be crucial factors to monitor in the upcoming fixtures. The tournament promises more thrilling rugby action as teams vie for supremacy in the national sevens circuit.
