Rugby: Kabras Sugar taste Sevens circuit crown

Kabras Sugar celebrate with trophy after winning this seasons Chrstie 7s by beating resolution health at RFU ON Oct 15, 2017. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kabras Sugar were on Sunday crowned 2017 overall National Sevens Circuit champions despite finishing third at the Dala Sevens, the final round of the season, in Kisumu.

The millers went into the final round leading with 85 points after winning two legs in succession (Sepetuka and Christie Sevens), five points ahead of Impala and deposed circuit champions Homeboyz (78).

Kabras finished third at Kabeberi Sevens, reached Driftwood Sevens quarters and finished fifth at Prinsloo Sevens.

Charles Cardovillis’ side title hopes seemed to have gone up in the smoke when they lost 12-5 to Kenya Commercial Bank in the semifinal. However, the millers bounced back in style to beat Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 19-7 in the third place-play off to finally win their first overall Circuit crown. The victory saw Kabras take their season’s points tally to 102.

Kabras led through Fidel Oloo’s converted try but Blak Blad leveled the scores through a penalty try at the stroke of halftime.

Kenyan international Dan Sikuta scored on his return from the sin bin to see Kabras go 12-7 up. Felix Ayange went over to seal the victory for the millers and replicate Homeboyz’ achievement of winning their maiden Series title last year.

On their way to the final, Homeboyz, mauled Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 22-7 as KCB edged out Kabras 12-5.

Meanwhile, Homeboyz successfully defended their Dala Sevens title after defeating KCB 12-10 in the final.

Ahmed Shaban put KCB 5-0 up but Mike Wanjala converted Oscar Okaron’s try as the Deejays lead 7-5 at the break.

[Rodgers Eshitemi and Philip Orwa].