T. NashipaeKabeberi 7s: Derby awaits in semis as Oilers, Nakuru sail through
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 10.09.23. | 13:39
For the second time in a row, Kabras RFC failed to go past the quarterfinal stage
The quarterfinals of the 2023 Kabeberi 7s that was played at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi served the drama.
For the second time in a row, Kabras RFC failed to go past the quarterfinal stage. Kenya Harlequins put up a spirited performance, but went down to Nakuru RFC. Strathmore Leos too are out of main cup contention.
Nondies RFC bounce back to beat Strathmore Leos
This was a repeat of the Tisap 7s finals where Nondies RFC emerged champions.
Nondies had 3/3 wins on Saturday that saw them top the pool while Strathmore Leos came second in Pool B after 2/3 wins. They shared the spoils with Nakuru RFC.
Strathmore too made a series of errors before Gabriel Ayimba went over with the Leos’ opening try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful to see half time scores at 5-0.
The Whiteshirts came out guns blazing in the second half, scoring a converted try that put them ahead of the students. The second half was cagey to see full time scores at 7-5 in favour of Nondies RFC.
KCB Rugby overcome difficult first half to defeat Mwamba RFC
This match was a pure show of resilience, and top class performance. Both coaches had stints with the national teams.
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Mwamba is coached by Collins Injera, a former Kenya 7s and Kenya Simbas utility back who had a successful rugby career. KCB on the other hand was under the tutelage of Andrew Amonde, former Kenya 7s skipper.
Mwamba seemed to have it in the opening minutes, after Eliakim Kichoi danced through KCB’s defence to score the opening try that was successfully converted. That would however be Mwamba’s final try of the game.
KCB went on to shine, with Brian Wahinya setting up Elphas Odunga for their opening try. Wahinya converted the try.
The second five pointer was courtesy of Levy Amunga’s impressive footballing skills. Wahinya added the extras.
Adunga impressed the audience by setting up Lionel Ajeliti for another five pointer, with the Bankers visibly having fun on the pitch. Full time scores 33-7.
Nakuru RFC too strong for spirited Quins
These two sides proved to be formidable forces, but a late sudden death try for Nakuru RFC put them 17-12 ahead of the resilient Quins.
Quins scored through Leon Nyang and Cornelius Mokoro, while Nakuru RFC scored through their key players among them Christant Ojwang.
Menengai Oilers fry Kabras RFC
The Rai Derby was so closely contested that the referee became the first victim of the boys’ fierce spirits.
It was the end of the road for Kabras’ main cup contention when they lost 12-5 to Menengai Oilers in the closely contested last quarterfinal match of the day.
That performance saw Kabras RFC lose the top of the table position to KCB Rugby, and eventually fail to win the 2023 National 7s Circuit.
Challenge Quarterfinal
Tessen Sports Warriors 28-0 Kisumu RFC
Catholic Monks 12-15 Daystar Falcons
Impala RFC 5-19 Blak Blad
MMUST Rugby 19-5 Moi University
Main Cup Quarterfinals
Nondies 7-5 Strathmore Leos
KCB Rugby 33-7 Mwamba RFC
Nakuru RFC 17-12 Kenya Harlequins
Menengai Oilers 12-5 KCB Rugby
Challenge Trophy semi final pairings
Tessen Sports Warriors vs Daystar Falcons
Blak Blad vs MMUST Rugby
Main Cup semifinal pairings
Nondies Rugby vs KCB Rugby
Nakuru RFC vs Menengai Oilers
