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| KCB players celebrate after beating Impala to lift the Top Fry Prinsloo Safaricom Series trophy at Nakuru Athletics club. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD] |
By Ben Ahenda
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Lions trounced Impala 26-5 to lift the Prinsloo Sevens trophy and stay close to winning the National Sevens Circuit in an entertaining match played at Nakuru Athletic Club on Sunday.
Jack Ojay touched down for the bankers twice while Benjamin Ojema and Darwin Mukiza each made a try with Fabian Olando making two conversions . The consolation try for Impala was scored by Robert Aringo. However, they failed to convert it.
KCB coach Curtis Olago attributed their victory to team work but showered praises on the team captain and National Sevens ace Andrew Amonde.
“We have the Prinsloo title but we are still looking ahead for the Christie Sevens. We want something better next time,” he said.
There was a one minute silence in memory of former Nakuru RFC player Ben Matibe who passed on last Friday.
During the match, Impala’s Ian Minjire was rushed to the nearby Evans Sunrise Hospital after sustaining a neck injury from a collision with another player during play.
Top scorer
KCB’s Fabian Olando emerged the top scorer while the Most Promising Player medal was awarded to Martin Mwita of Nakuru RFC. Jacob Ojay of the bankers went home with the Most Valuable Player medal.
In the semi finals, the bankers smashed Strathmore Leos 22-5 after a 14-5 half time lead with Amonde, Olando and Stafford Obera making three tries which were successfully converted by Olando and Amonde.
Impala had defeated Homeboyz 24-19 in other semi final match to book their match to the finals.
Strathmore Leos clobbered Homeboyz 26-19 to emerge play-off winners.
Hosts Menengai Oil Nakuru RFC earned the Plate Title after thrashing National Sevens Circuit defending champions Kenya Harlequins 31-7.
Try conversion
Cachees Omollo, Mike Okombe, Javan Murai and National Sevens team player Oscar Ouma scored all the tries with Martin Mwita making three conversions for the winners.
However, William Mardira replied with a try and Isaac Adumo made the conversion for the losers.
In the semi finals, Nakuru RFC dismissed Nondies 26-12 as Harlequins conquered Daystar University.
Stubborn Kabras RFC won the Shield competition after they conquered University of Nairobi side Mean Machine 12-5 in the finals.
Ahmed Shaban touched down twice for the winners with Ken Andola only managing one conversion after a 7-5 lead at the break. Jacob Siwa replied with an unconverted try for the losers.
Kabras defeated Eldoret RFC 14-5 while Mean Machine conquered Mombasa Sports Club 17-0 in the semi-final matches.
Western Bulls lifted the Bowl trophy after a 10-5 win over Kisumu RFC.
The Bulls hammered Kenyatta University side Blak Blad 14-7 in the semi finals while Kisumu RFC defeated Mwamba 15-10 after a 10-10 dead lock at the regulation time which forced the game into the sudden death.
