Top guns KCB and Kabras battle through to Dala Sevens quarters

KCB winger Jacob Ojee in action against MMUST during the Dala Sevens opening pool games in Kisumu on July 1, 2023. [Washington Onyango, Standard]

Top clubs on Saturday sailed through to the quarterfinals of the opening leg of the 2023 National Sevens Circuit, Dala Sevens, after dominating their group matches played at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.

Defending champions Homeboyz got off to a perfect start after seeing off Makueni 12-10 before sealing a last eight spot with a 36-12 win over Western Bulls in Group D. 

At the same time, circuit defending champions Menengai Oilers saw off Catholic Monks 19-14 and Nondies 22-0 to book a spot in the quarters despite losing 12-7 in the last Group A match. 

"It was a good start for us. We wanted to get to the quarters, an objective we have achieved and now we look forward to complete the job in the knockout stages," said Gibson Weru, Oilers head coach. 

Kabras Sugar on the other hand will be keen on rectifying the mistakes they made yesterday when they play in the quarter finals after a mixed start to the game. 

The sugarmen began their campaign with a shaky 21-19 win over Daystar University, thumped Kisumu 27-5 before losing 20-7 to Strathmore Leos. 

Speaking after the pool matches, Kabras Sevens coach Felix Ayange said they will be keen to learn from their mistakes. 

"We have blown hot and cold at Dala Sevens but I am glad we have positives to pick from day one. Every team is loaded from conditioning to aggressiveness and we need to pull up our socks today. 

"I believe our senior players and regulars in the Shujaa set up Kevin Wekesa and Brian Tanga have the experience to guide the team. Expect changes today," Ayange. 

Other results saw Nakuru draw 14-14 with Nondies, Mwamba edge Western Bulls 12-7 and and Starthmore beat Kisumu 17-5.

Homeboyz won last year's edition after edging out circuit champions Oilers 19-14.