KCB edge Kabras Sugar to be crowned 2023 Dala Sevens champions

Vincent Onyala lifts the Dala Sevens trophy as KCB celebrate being crowned this years champions.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

KCB arethe 2023 Dala Sevens champions. 

The bankers dethroned defending champions Homeboyz after thumping arch-rivals Kabras Sugar 17-5 in an entertaining final played at a fully packed Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu on Sunday. 

The Dala Sevens final saw fans of KCB and Kabras renew their rivalry in the stands with yellow of Kabras and green of KCB the dominant replica jerseys.

KCB's Edmund Anya celebrates after breaking away from the Kabras Sugar defense to score a try in the Dala Sevens finals.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Barry Robinson gave Kabras a 5-0 lead in the fifth minute before Kenya Sevens star Edmund Anya gave the bankers a narrow 7-5 lead after touching down at the stroke of half time. 

In the final half, Jacob Ojee picked a loose ball in Kabras territory to touch down for a 12-7 lead before another Shujaa star Vincent Onyala sealed the win with a late unconverted try to emerge 17-5 winners.

KCB's Vincent Onyala leads his teammates into the field during the Dala Sevens in Kisumu.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Speaking after the win, KCB coach Andrew Amonde said he was happy with the win and they look forward for even more victories in the upcoming legs.

"It's a good job from the boys. Congratulations to everyone at KCB because we all worked for this win. To the players, kudos for not giving up despite trailing in the match," said Amonde. 

In the semis, Kabras Sugar came from 14-5 down with under a minute left on the clock to complete a thrilling 15-14 win over Kenya Harlequin to reach the finals.

Kevin Wekesa shrug off two defenders to touch down at the corner to trail 14-5. In the final seconds, Alfred Orege touched down for an unconverted try to trail 14-10 after the hooter. 

KCB's Edmund Anya (center) being flanked by Kabras duo of Jone Kubu (left) and Muhanji.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The sugarmen would steal a last gasp win through Kevin Wekesa after a mistake by Quins to kick the ball out for the win fell in the hands of Brian Tanga whose offload to fellow Shujaa teammate Wekesa saw the Masinde Muliro University student secure a win. 

On the other hand, KCB saw off Strathmore University Leos 31-0 to glide into the finals. 

Strathmore Leos redeemed themselves with a third place playoffs win over Kenya Harlequin. The university students scored in sudden death to win 26-19 after playing out to a 19-19 draw in regular time. 

KCB celebrate after winning the Dala Sevens title.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Western Bulls defeated MMUST 19-12 to not only win the 13th place final but also the Kakamega derby. 

MMUST coach John Asila said they will rectify some of their mistakes they made at the second leg of the series, Driftwood Sevens to be played in Mombasa. 

Asila believes his young team has a lot to learn in this years National Sevens Circuit after losing most of his best players to Kenya Cup champions Kabras and other teams. 

"The boys played well despite the mixed results we registered in Kisumu. It is still a learning phase for the young team which is in the process of rebuilding ahead of the KRU Championship," said Asila. 

In the Challenge Trophy, Nondescript edged out hosts Kisumu RFC 12-10 before Mwamba finished fifth overall after a 10-5 win over Menengai Oilers.