KCB Rugby win Kabeberi 7s, crowned 2023 Circuit winners

KCB Rugby are the winners of the 2023 Kabeberi 7s after a thrilling 24-0 win over Nakuru RFC in the finals played at the RFUEA Grounds on Sunday 10 September.

The match transported fans back to the greatest rivalry back in the days when Nakuru RFC too was a force to be reckoned with.

It is worth noting that Mwamba RFC left no stone unturned in organising what was a top-class final leg of the 2023 National 7s Circuit. The already exciting tournament was capped by a nerve-wracking final. The match was officiated by Joseph Mumo.

Prior to the match, there was a sombre mood as players, fans, and the rugby community paid tribute to legends who left an indelible mark on the pitch. There was also a moment of silence in memory of Kenya Lionesses’ playmaker Bernadette Olesia who was laid to rest on Saturday. Fans also mourned famous sports journalist Sean Cardovillis who was a lover of rugby.

The event was also graced by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna who shared a light moment with KCB Rugby’s fans as sounds of Isikuti beats electrified the mood.

KCB Rugby were in hunt for a fourth Kabeberi 7s title, having previously won it in 2008, 2014, and last year. They were looking to defend their title. The Bankers were also out to better their Tisap 7s performance where they finished at fifth-place after a 21-14 victory over Kabras RFC.

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Nakuru RFC on the other hand last won the Kabeberi 7s title in 2007, prior to their maiden title in 1997. The RFUEA Grounds have established itself as a sacred ground for Nakuru RFC, acting as the stage for some of their most amazing rugby victories.

The last time Kennedy Njoroge’s charges graced these historic grounds was during the Christie 7s played from August 12-13 when they reached the semifinal stage but were held down by KCB Rugby 33-7.

Today, they returned to the same grounds keen to pick up from their last outing in Nairobi. Wanyore are coming from a not-so-good Tisap 7s performance, where they dropped to the challenge trophy.

The bankers came in hot in the opening half, showcasing a combination of physicality and speed to score 12 points. Wanyore took a long time to compose themselves, enabling the Bankers’ swift movement.

Levy Amunga shrugged off two defenders before offloading to Mike Wamalwa who raced all the way to score the first try. It was converted by Brian Wahinya.

Elphas Adunga was sent to the naughty chair for a high tackle on Javan Otieno, but Nakuru RFC failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage.

Despite being one man down, the resilient Bankers played on, with Wahinya forcing a turnover to regain possession. A series of passes and the ball fell on Bob Juggernaut Muhati’s hands who made no mistakes in adding the five points. The conversion was successful off the boots of Wahinya.

In the closing half, Austin Sikutwa scored another try for the Bankers, with Wahinya adding the extras before Trevor Odawa sent the crowd wild with the final try of the 2023 National 7s Circuit.

The match was curtain-raised with a Division II final featuring Makueni RFC and Zetech Oaks and a Women’s final between Impala RFC and Western Spears. Zetech Oaks emerged 12-7 winners over Makueni.

Western Spears upset Impala Ladies to win maiden title

In the women’s category, Western Spears staged a comeback to stun defending champions Impala Ladies 10-7. It was Valentine Wafula who registered her name first on the scoresheets with a five-pointer that was converted by Ann Njeri before halftime.

The Spears who were coached by Stanley Mwangala scored two unconverted tries through Nicole Hawi and Lawreen Lawnisky. The match was officiated by Linus Kinuthia.

Impala RFC are under the guidance of coach Mary Otieno who was a hard-tackling backrower during her heydays as a Kenya Lionesses international.