Kenya Harlequins win Masaku Sevens as Nakuru clinch plate

Masaku Sevens rugby champions Harlequins celebrate after retaining the 2013 title. [Photo: Martin Mukangu/Standard]

By BS Mulavi

Machakos, Kenya: The Masaku Sevens rugby title will not be exchanging hands as champions Kenya Harlequins successfully held off all competition to retain the silverware for the second time in as many tournaments.

Quins, who won the inaugural tournament last year, will remain the Champions of Masaku Sevens after an emphatic victory of 22-5 over Homeboyz at the Machakos Golf Club grounds Sunday.

Speaking to Feverpitch head Coach Charles Cardovillis said it was the never-say-die spirit his players possess that separated the boys from the men, in a tournament that attracted 16 teams.

“It feels good to win the tournament and retain our title, which we would never had done without the dedication and hard work from the boys,” he said.

“But besides the effort put in, I think what helped us retain our championship was the fighting spirit and dedication of the boys. We have a young squad and they followed instructions as directed.

Selection headache

“Now I have a headache as to who we will make the first team when the circuit kicks off next weekend, given that many of the players today have raised their hands ready for selection,” he added.

Cardovillis feels the victory in Machakos puts them in a good position to start the Safaricom national sevens circuit on a high note.

Meanwhile Nakuru RFC emerged the Plate winners after defeating hosts Kilunda 24-0 in the final. Nakuru head coach Dominique Habimana praised his troops for the feat and said it was great for the club.

In the bowl category, Savannah Stormers edged out Kisumu RFC 12-5 in a tight but entertaining final.

Speaking after the victory, Stormers Coach Jack Okoth, claimed the win signified better things to come from the team as the season starts.

“We have set ourselves a target of being in the top eight both in National Sevens and Fifteens rugby, we are almost there given the result today,” he said.

The Shield Category of the tournament went to G4S Pirates, who survived a comeback from British Army to win 12-10 in a tense final. Head Coach Sammy Ahamya said they are happy with the victory as they will not go home empty handed despite travelling a lengthy distance to the venue from Uganda.

“The support we got was good and the atmosphere was exciting. This is a tournament that we all enjoyed,” he said.

With the Masaku sevens now over, focus shifts to the Safaricom National Sevens Circuit which kicks off next weekend at the Kisumu Polytechnic starting with Dala Sevens. The stakes will be raised if the performance in Machakos is anything to go by.