Kenya Commercial Bank also claim overall Safaricom Sevens trophy

Patrice Agunda of Harlequin holds KCB’s Andrew Amonde  during the Safaricom Christle Sevens tournament at RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi. [PHOTO: MARTIN MUKANGU/STANDARD]

By BS MULAVI

Kenya Commercial Bank are basking in the glory of winning the Safaricom National Sevens circuit with one leg to spare.

The Bankers claimed the overall title after winning three consecutive trophies in the series, which included the Driftwood Sevens in Mombasa, the Prinsloo Sevens in Nakuru and finally on Sunday's Christie Sevens in Nairobi.

Speaking to Feverpitch at the RFUEA grounds, KCB coach Curtis Olago expressed his excitement at winning their first ever overall title.

“It’s a wonderful feeling especially that this is our first ever Sevens title,” he said.

“Last year we were so close to winning the title but we ended up second, and we knew this season, we had to go one better by claiming the overall trophy,” he added.

Olago went on to say KCB had come up with a programme to get them to speed and they are glad that it paid off. The Bankers were crowned champions at the Christie Sevens by beating hosts Kenya Harlequin 17-12 in a tight final.

PLate title

In the other fixtures of the day, Strathmore RFC claimed the Plate title after a narrow 14-12 victory over Nondies RFC.

Head Coach Mitch Ocholla accepted the result and said it was a reflection of their efforts in the tournament.

“We cannot complain too much. We did not win the Main Cup trophy, because at the end of the day, you have to accept what your efforts give you,’ he said.

“We now shift focus to the Fifteens season where we are hopeful we can do better.”

Their game was preceded by the Bowl final, which saw Nakuru RFC beat Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 26-5 in the final. Nakuru dropped to the Bowl competition despite winning two of their group games in the ‘Pool of Death’ that also included Mwamba, Homeboyz and Kabras.

Won the Shield

The Shield category was won by Eldoret RFC after they beat Kabras 21-14 in the Shield final.

According to team manager Derrick Injori, it was a great achievement for the side given the fact they only had nine players to take part in the tournament.

“It feels great to get a trophy after such a long campaign,” he said. “Its good for the morale of the boys’ who have worked so hard throughout the circuit.”

Meanwhile in Division Two, Catholic University were crowned champions after beating Dagoretti 15-0 in the final.

Catholic University Coach Simon Jachwire lauded his side for an eccentric campaign in the championship.

“Last year we played in Division One and that was a bit harder. But this time in Division Two, we have given a good account of ourselves and we are very proud of our performance,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Mwangi Muthee has called for patience ahead of the official announcemnet of the Kenya Sevens rugby head coach.

Reports have claimed former South Africa coach Paul Treu has given the nod to lead Kenya but KRU said no official correspondence has been made so far.