Rugby: Former champs outwit Kenya Harlequins in Christie 7s final

CHRISTIES Homeboyz winners of the Christie7s at RFEUA grounds on sunday Sept 16, 2018. [Jonah Onyango

Homeboyz leave Quins in a spin after vital win

Deejays reclaim title they last won in 2016.

Homeboyz Rugby reclaimed the national Sevens series crown after winning the Christie Sevens title with a 24-19 victory over Kenya Harlequins at RFUEA yesterday.

Paul Murunga’s side needed an extra-time try from Leonard Mugaisi for victory after the match ended 14-14 in regulation time.

Homeboyz were temporarily reduced to six men early in the first half after Leonard Mugaisi was sent to the sinbin.

Harlequins did not take much time in utilising their numerical advantage with Cyprian Kuto beating his markers for pace down the right flank before touching down between the sticks for a try that Aaron Ofoyrwoth was delighted to convert.

Harlequins were soon 14-0 up as a move initiated from a well executed scrum, allowed Cyprian Kuto to play in Ugandan Solomon Okia, who crossed the whitewash for his side’s second converted try.

Jeff Oluoch fended off Kuto before reducing the deficit with a try that was converted by Johnstone Olindi as the series champions trailed 14-7 at the break.

Oluoch returned to the score-sheet after the restart as he landed a converted try to draw the sides level.

The hosts restored their lead through Ofoyrwoth’s unconverted try before they were dealt a numerical blow after Okia was yellow-carded.

Collins Shikoli’s try for Homeboyz on the stroke of full time at the right corner ensured the match headed into extra time where Leonard Mugaisi won it for Homeboyz.

The Christie Sevens triumph was fourth for Homeboyz this season after enjoying similar successes at the Prinsloo, Sepetuka and Kabeberi tournaments.

They end the season on 122 points while Mwamba, who bagged 10 points at the final leg, are second with 102 points. KCB complete the top three with 94 points.

Homeboyz were guaranteed the overall crown as early as yesterday morning even without getting onto the field after their closest challengers Mwamba, who needed to win the tournament to keep their title hopes alive, crashed out in the quarterfinals.

They lost 24-14 to South Africa’s Blue Bulls and TUKs combined.

On their way to the final, Harlequins edged out  six-man KCB 22-14 in the quarter finals before overpowering Blue Bulls and TUKs 10-5 courtesy of unconverted tries by Cyprian Kuto and Alex Olaba.

Louis Sargeant scored the visitors’ consolation try.

With the overall title secured, Homeboyz eliminated Mean Machine with a 29-7 final score in the last eight before thumping Strathmore Leos 41-5 to book a spot in the final.