Kabeberi 7s: CUEA Monks return to semis as Kabras RFC is knocked out of main cup contention
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 25.08.24. | 12:26
The Monks will face KCB Rugby, while Menengai Oilers will take on Kenya Harlequin.
Kenya Harlequin, KCB Rugby, and Menengai Oilers have all advanced to the semifinals of the Kabeberi Sevens following intense quarterfinal performances at the chilly RFUEA Grounds on Sunday, August 25.
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Monks will face KCB Rugby, while Menengai Oilers will take on Kenya Harlequin in the semifinals of the 2024 Christie 7s.
Strathmore Leos vs CUEA Monks
The varsity derby began cautiously, with both teams probing for weaknesses, setting the stage for a mentally challenging match. Early in the first half, the Leos conceded two penalties, allowing the Monks to relieve pressure in their territory. The Monks struck first, with Samuel Omollo finding space on the outside and powering past Arnold Muita to score. The Leos had a chance to equalize, but Arnold Matoka missed the opportunity after a Monks player unexpectedly knocked the ball from his hands just meters from the try line.
The Leos opened the scoring in the second half when Amaitsa capitalized on a George Ooro offload to score in the corner, leveling the game at 5-5. However, substitute Brian Nyamboki sealed the win for the Monks, exploiting a lapse at the breakdown and sprinting past Muita to score the decisive try. Full-time: 12-5.
Daystar Falcons vs KCB
In another match, Daystar launched the first attack, with Duncan Olile making a strong run, only to be stopped just outside the 22, with no support to keep the play alive. KCB then took control, with Jacob Ojee stepping into a gap to score their first try, followed by Samuel Asati slicing through the defense to extend the lead to 12-0 at halftime. Emmanuel Opondo and Elvis Olukusi added tries in the second half, securing a dominant 24-0 victory for the Bankers.
Oilers vs Kabras
Log leaders Kabras got on the board first after Jackton Osoo's big tackle led to a turnover, allowing Brian Mutua to offload to Alfred Orege for the try. The Oilers quickly responded, with Abukuse breaking on the outside and offloading to Steve Arunga to score. The Oilers took the lead before halftime with a brilliant cross-kick from captain Crispin Shitundo, which Beldad Ogeta finished for a 12-7 advantage.
Abukuse added another try in the second half, fielding a cross-kick and breaking three tackles to score under the posts, extending the lead to 19-7. Kabras fought back with Erick Cantona scoring after Derrick Ashihundu set him up near the center of the pitch, but the final score remained 19-12 in favor of the Oilers.
Quins vs MMUST
In the last quarterfinal, Quins opened the scoring just over two minutes before halftime, with Amon Wamalwa darting from the base of the scrum and evading his marker to score under the posts for a 7-0 lead. Brian Ratillah added a second try in the corner midway through the second half, making it 14-0. Wamalwa then scored his second try from close range, sealing a 21-0 victory over MMUST.
Kabeberi 7s Quarterfinals Results:
Strathmore Leos 5-12 CUEA Monks
KCB Rugby 24-0 Daystar Falcons
Menengai Oilers 19-12 Kabras RFC
Quins 21-0 MMUST Rugby
Challenger Trophy Results:
Nakuru RFC 12-0 Kisumu RFC
Mwamba RFC 0-36 Nondies RFC
Stallions RFC 7-5 Impala RFC
KU Blak Blad 17-5 MKU Thika RFC
Semifinal Pairings:
CUEA Monks vs KCB Rugby
Menengai Oilers vs Quins
