Ingo 7s: Lucky outing for Dewald as Quins clinch victory in sudden death

Kenya Harlequin are the winners of the 2024 Kakamega Ingo 7s after humbling KCB Rugby 17-12 in a pulsating final match played at the Kakamega Showground on Sunday.

The thrilling encounter ended in a 12-12 draw at the end of regulation time, with the match eventually decided in favor of Quins during sudden death.

Both sides came out firing, exchanging blows in a physical and entertaining contest.

Quins enjoyed periods of possession but were initially unable to capitalize.

A powerful surge from Elvis Olukusi saw him break through the Quins’ defense to open the scores. Levy Amunga added the extras to see the Bankers lead 7-0.

The Bankers continued to shine when Trevor Odanga made a crucial intercept. He was tackled close to the try box, and passed the ball to Olukusi who did not hesitate to touch down. This time however, the conversion attempt sailed wide. Those would be the only points scored by KCB in the match.

Quins had now settled into the game, and they scored their opening try that was converted by Amon Wamalwa before being reduced to six men after a yellow card.

KCB failed to utilize the numerical advantage to see the teams head to halftime with Quins trailing 12-5.

The second half was equally intense, with both sides creating scoring opportunities. Leon Nyaang looked to have extended Quins’ lead, but Brian Wahinya managed to ground the ball to prevent the try.

A subsequent scrum saw Quins gain possession, but a knock-on inside the try-line denied them a potential match-winning score.

Brian Ratila eventually crossed the whitewash for Quins to level the scores, setting up a dramatic finish. With neither side able to find a decisive score in regulation time, the match went into sudden death.

KCB's hopes of victory were dashed when they knocked on, allowing Quins to capitalize. Lucky Dewald emerged as the hero, scoring the winning try to secure victory for his side.

3rd place playoff

Hosts Kabras were eager to redeem themselves after a disappointing loss in the Cup semifinals but faced a tough challenge from Nakuru. It was Wanyore who struck first, with Javan Otieno executing a brilliant sidestep to score near the uprights.

Kabras responded through Jackson Siketa, who exchanged passes with Jackton Osoo for their first try. Nakuru missed an opportunity to extend their lead when the referee ruled a held-up call as they failed to score from five meters out.

Osoo then put Kabras ahead, finishing off a pass from Osore. William Mwanji followed up with a third try for the home side. Mwanji later set up Brian Mutua, who had to outmaneuver two defenders to score Kabras' fourth try, sealing a 22-7 victory.

Harambee Stars prospect Bryan Mwangi loaned out in Scotland

5th Place Playoff

The Catholic Monks secured fifth place in the Kakamega Ingo 7s by defeating MMUST in the final. The Monks scored twice in the first half, taking a 14-5 lead into halftime. They continued their momentum in the second half, adding two more tries before MMUST managed a late score. The match ended with a 26-10 victory for the Monks.

Challenge Trophy

Strathmore Leos defeated Kenyatta University 19-14 in the Trophy final, finishing seventh in Kakamega. The Leos scored three tries, while Blad managed two. Shem Okola opened the scoring for the Leos, but Blad quickly responded to take a 7-5 lead. Stanslous Shikoli and Okola each added a try to secure the win for Strathmore.

13th Place Final

Homeboyz dominated Mwamba RFC in the 13th place final. Ramadhan Masete scored in the opening minute, breaking through two defenders to touch down under the posts. He soon added a second try, picking up from a ruck. Athuman scored twice, and Patrick Mwakina added another try, leading to a comprehensive 34-0 victory for the Deejayz.

The main cup final was curtain-raised by the Division II final where Zetech University Oaks saw off Kabarak University 32-7 to book a Division I slot in the Dala 7s slated for July 16-17 in Kisumu.

In the ladies’ final, Shamberere defeated Black Rock RFC 17-5

LIVE : Building up to a busy evening on the track for Team Kenya