Homeboyz in dreamland with maiden Sevens Series title

Kenya National Sevens Series Homeboyz RFC celebrate winning overall circuit at the RFUEA grounds on Sunday, September 18, 2016. [PHOTO:SPORTPICHA.CO.KE /STAFFORD ONDEGO]

The long wait is finally over for Homeboyz RFC. The Deejays’ National Sevens Series title dream became a reality yesterday when they were officially crowned the overall series champions, their maiden title, despite losing 22-5 to Kabras Sugar in the Christie Sevens Cup, the final leg, at the RFUEA Grounds.

After numerous failed attempts at winning the overall title since their formation in 2009, the Paul Murunga trained side garnered a massive 123 points after gracing all the six finals, to register three wins and three losses.

“The boys’ strength level went down against Kabras and they looked tired after playing all the finals. Kabras were more energetic and they needed it more than us. Complacency and fatigue cost us,” Homeboyz head coach Paul Murunga told Feverpitch after the final.

But for his counterpart Mike Bishop that’s a perfect ending to the season.

“We had a few disappointments at the beginning of the season, but that was a perfect ending. It was a good win but to be honest, everything worked as planned. We knew Homeboyz is a strong side and had to put pressure on them,” said a delighted Bishop.

The Deejays kicked off the season on a high note winning the Prinsloo Sevens before losing at the Kabeberi and Driftwood Sevens to Impala and Kenya Harlequin respectively.

However, like a wounded lion, Homeboyz swiftly bounced back to claim the Dala and Nanyuki Sevens respectively.

But what had looked like a fantastic season for the Deejays was spoilt yesterday by a determined Millers in a thrilling encounter.

By the time they were coming to the Christie, Homeboyz had won the overall title after their third Cup triumph in Nanyuki and only needed to reach the Cup quarters to confirm their historic achievement.

The Millers showed intent in the Christie final from the kick off with overall top try scorer Aluda Beda racing past the Deejays defence to ground the opening unconverted try before new signing Dan Sikuta made it 10-0. Kevin Kabole then scored a converted try for Kabras before Alvin Otieno pulled back an unconverted try for the overall title champions.

Homeboyz’s Cyprian Kuto was then sent to the sin-bin as Kabras went to the break comfortably leading 17-5.

After the breather Kabras were also reduced to six man following Peter Nakarawa yellow-card. Peminus Macharia put the game beyond Homeboyz’s reach with a last gasp try.

Kabras’ Nicholas Barasa was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player as his teammate Aluda Buda walked away with Samsung S7 courtesy of Safaricom for being the overall top try scorer in Division One.