TOP GUNS INTO QUARTERS: All rugby big boys make cut in Dala Sevens

Felix Ayange of Halerquins is tackled by Nicholas Kidakwa and Boaz Wangige of Comaras (in red) during a Dala Sevens Main Cup encounter that was staged at Kisumu's Mamboleo Showground on 3-9-16 [PHOTO BY PHILLIP ORWA/STANDARD]

Strathmore Leos, Mwamba RFC, Harlequins, Blak Blad, Homeboyz and Menengai Oilers RFC yesterday won their first two matches as they qualified for the quarterfinals of the Seven’s Series during Dala Sevens at Kisumu’s Mamboleo grounds.

Last year’s winners Nakuru Top Fry lost twice — first to Harlequins 28-0 and then to Blak Blad to crash out of the title defense contention.

However, Harlequin’s will be targeting to launch their quest to recapture the Dala Sevens title after they beat defending champions Nakuru Top Fry 28-0.

Harlequins again beat Comras (Catholic University). Quins coach Charles Cardovillis had made two changes by bringing in former Kenya Sevens player Patrice Agunda and Godffrey Okoth for Frank Wanyama and injured Eden Agero.

“I had told my players to forget about Mombasa and focus on delivering another victory in Kisumu. Starting with a tough match against Nakuru awakened us,” Cardovillis said. 

“Agunda, who played for Kenya A against Hong Kong mid last week, brought in experience with Okoth covering at half back.”

Homeboyz who won the opening Prinsloo Sevens and are top of the Series with 60 points, beat Menengai Oilers 17-7 in the first encounter and won against Kisumu RFC 24-0 in the second match. Humphrey Owuor made a try that was converted by Tony Onyango. Another try by Onyango followed later before a string of tries being pulled by other players.

Four-time series winners Mwamba RFC beat Kisumu RFC 27-0 in the first match and continued with their good run piping Menengai Oilers 27-5.

Mat Wanjiku made two tries as Gregory Odhiambo converted. Odhiambo made another try that was converted by Chris Adich for the first match to end 27-0.

Homeboyz Coach Simon Odongo had brought in Olympian Bush Mwale, Cyprian Kuto, Kelvin Masai and Leonard Mugaisi.

Kuto recently played for Kenya A and Kenya Simba’s against Hong Kong last week while Masai and Mugaisi featured for Kenya A. This was Mwale’s first match after the Olympics.

In a university derby, fourth-placed Strathmore Leos (49) beat Mean Machine (UoN) 33-14 and won against Nondies 36-10.

Churchill Ooko made two tries that were converted by Ian Lwanji.

In the main quarter-finals pairings Kenya Herlequin will face KCB at 9am while Strathmore tackle Mwamba at 10:40am.

Kabras Sugar will face Nakuru RFC at 11am with the last of the quarter-finals matches at 11:20am between Homeboyz and Impala.

Meanwhile, All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster has put his hand up to succeed Steve Hansen as head coach of the world champions add AFP reports.

Hansen, who coached the All Blacks to a second successive World Cup win last year, signed a contract extension last month which will see him in charge through to the 2019 tournament in Japan.

But former Waikato Chiefs stalwart Foster was open about his designs on the top job when it eventually becomes vacant.

Asked if he saw himself as an All Blacks head coach, Foster told local radio station Newstalk ZB: “I do from an ambition side, and I guess that’s part of the whole thought process for me.”