Top guns locked up in clinical fight for the 2018 Sevens crown

Homeboyz's Alvin Otieno is tackled by Eliakim Kichoi (left) and Ronny Omondi (right) of Mwamba during Sepetuka Rugby Sevens 2018 at Eldoret Sports Club on Sunday July 29, 2018 [Jonah Onyango,Standard]

It is do-or-die as the battle for 2018 rugby Sevens title enters the homestretch at the Dala Sevens, the penultimate leg of the National Sevens series, at Mamboleo Showground in Kisumu today.

Homeboyz, the series leaders, underlined their credentials yesterday as they drubbed Mt Kenya University (MKU)-Thika 46-0 in a Pool D match.

The deejays, who won the Dala Sevens titles in 2016 and 2017, were on fire from the opening whistle.

The Paul Murunga-coached side made eight tries as series top-scorer Mark Wandeto struck a hat-trick while Brian Wandera touched down twice.

Kenyan international Bush Mwale, Johnston Olindi and Richard Alai were on the scoresheet as Michael Wanjala managed three conversions to complete the rout. They secured quarter final places after easing to a 41-0 win over hosts Kisumu RFC.

Mwamba, who lie second on the standings with 70 points, showed their intentions of keeping close tabs on Homeboyz winning their opening two matches and picked a spot in the quarter finals with one match to spare.

Mwamba, better known as Kulabu, thrashed Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 34-7 before walloping Impala Saracens 24-7.

Kenya Harlequins and Nondies also booked a last four places after registering two wins in two matches.

Quins, bolstered by the return of Kenya Sevens speedster William Ambaka, built on their 45-5 win over Kisii by upsetting Driftwood 7's champions Nakuru RFC 22-19 in their second match.

The Ngong Road-based side finished top of Pool A by beating Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) 27-0 in their final match of the preliminaries.

Nondies overpowered Kisumu RFC 17-5 before securing a quarter final spot with a 36-7 win against MKU Thika.

KCB also registered a one hundred per cent record in their first two preliminary fixtures as they beat University of Nairobi side Mean Machine 17-0 before extending their superb run with a 22-5 triumph over Northern Suburbs.