CROWNING MOMENTS: As Christie 7s brings curtains down on rugby series

Menengai Cream Homeboyz Rugby players celebarte after winning the Prinsloo sevens at Nakuru Athletics Club on Agust 7,2016.PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

National Sevens Series champions-elect Homeboyz RFC have waited for seven years for this memorable weekend.

With a massive 104 points from five legs (18 points clear of second-placed Kenya Harlequin), it will for sure take a monumental collapse for them not to claim the overall title as the curtain comes down on the 2016 Circuit with the Christie Sevens at the RFUEA Grounds.

Despite the pressure, the title destiny still remains in the Deejays’ own hands and for the sake of the tournament’s drama they only need to reach the Christie Cup quarter-finals to lift their maiden series title.

The Deejays, who have won three of the five Cup finals (Prinsloo, Dala and Nanyuki) they have graced this season, have been seeded first in Pool A of the final leg alongside disposed Series champions Nakuru, Blak Blad and Stormers.

Although Homeboyz will have to work without the services of the injured duo of Oscar Ayodi and Tony Owour, the Paul Murunga-trained side has been boosted by the availability of Kenyan internationals Augustine Lugonzo and Jeff Oluoch.

“I am a very proud man, having a team seven years ago and now we are going to be champions after beating everyone else in the circuit. Although it is unfortunate that Ayodi and Owour are out injured, we have sufficient replacements for them and I am sure they will perform well,” Murunga told Feverpitch.

But for instrumental winger Alvin Otieno, everybody is eager to lift the trophy as they wait for their place in the sporting history to be officially confirmed.

“It is a moment that all of us have been waiting for and there is no pressure heading into the Christie Sevens. Sunday can’t come quickly enough and I can’t wait to have my hands on the trophy. It has not been an easy journey but commitment, self-drive and determination saw us through,” said Otieno.

“Remember, this is a team that produces most of the national teams’ players, so that means we have quality and talented players. It will be tough next season, but it will take years before we relinquish the title.”

Meanwhile, Mwamba RFC have signed Kenyan international Billy Odhiambo from Strathmore.

Odhiambo, who has enjoyed massive success on the World Sevens Series with the Kenya Sevens team, is expected to make his debut during this weekend’s Christie Sevens.