Kabras RFC crowned 2024 Christie 7s winners

Kabras RFC are the winners of the 2024 Christie 7s after defeating hosts Kenya Harlequin 17-12 in a thrilling final match played at the RFUEA Grounds on Sunday.

The result saw the Sugarmen reclaim the title they won in 2016 and 2017.

The team which was under the tutelage of former Shujaa star Felix Ayange has not tasted a loss in Nairobi despite missing some of their key players.

Some key players like Kevin Wekesa, Brian Tanga, and Lameck Ambetsa are out with Shujaa in Paris for the Olympics.

Speedster Derrick Ashiundu, Alfred Orege, Walter Okoth, and Barry Robinson are with the Simbas in Uganda for the Rugby Africa Cup.

Despite that, the Sugarmen lived up to the billing, drawing only a single match against Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks.

Minutes into the match, Kabras RFC struck with a try thanks to Patrick Lumumba alias Field Gun. From the kickoff, they grinded through multiple phases before a gap opened and Lumumba raced clear to open the scores. The conversion attempt was successful.

Motivated by their first try, the Kakamega-based club fought on, this time Griffin Chao driving the stonewall Quins’ defense to score the second try.

This time around, Eric Cantona’s conversion split the uprights to see their lead extend to 12-0.

The Quins settled into the game, and Amon Wamalwa’s individual brilliance earned them their first try. He added his name to the scoresheets again with another well-worked out try to see them share spoils.

A breakdown infringement for the Quins allowed William Muhanji to break, offloading to Cantona who scored Kabras’ winning try.

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Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the victory, Coach Ayange hailed praises at his charges’ zeal and resilience, hoping that they would carry the momentum to the KRU 7s slated for Kakamega next weekend.

“The boys have fought well. The young players rose to occasion and I am proud of them. This means growth for the team. We hope to carry the momentum throughout the tournament,” the visibly excited Ayange offered.

The Sugarmen started their title hunt with a 26-5 victory over Kisumu RFC before sharing 12-12 spoils with CUEA Monks. They ended their pool matches with a 12-5 victory over Nakuru RFC to cruise to the quarterfinal stage.

At this stage, the resilient team saw off KCB Rugby 12-5 to proceed to the semifinal. Their fine form continued when they saw off Strathmore Leos to book the date against Quins.

They will be keen to build on that performance heading to Christie 7s.

3rd place playoff

Monks kicked off the varsity Derby in style with a try from their number 10, who effortlessly evaded two Leos defenders to score near the posts.

Capitalizing on a Leos error, the Monks winger sprinted from deep in their own half to extend their lead to 12-0 at halftime.

A tightly contested second half saw Strathmore finally break through, with Gideon Makumi crossing the line for Leos’ only try. Despite the late surge, Monks secured third place overall, while Strathmore were relegated to fourth position.

5th place final

KCB took control of their match against the Oilers early on, scoring two first-half tries. Levi Amunga powered his way over the line for the first, before Olukusi's skillful sidestep gave him the edge to score the second. The Bankers held a comfortable 10-0 lead at halftime.

Peter Kilonzo extended KCB's advantage with a remarkable long-range penalty goal from his own half. The Oilers managed to fight back with tries from Clarkson Keegan and another unanswered effort, but it was too little too late. KCB's final score secured them fifth place in the competition.

Ladies’ category

In the ladies’ category, Impala edged Mwamba Ladies 22-10 to win the title.