KCB out to consolidate top spot at Christie Sevens

Andrew Amonde of KCB and James Shabaya of Vihiga RFC in action during Dala 7s rugby tournament at Mamboleo showground on August 10th 2019 [Courtesy]

National Sevens circuit leaders KCB are confident of maintaining top spot as the six-legged competition reaches its penultimate round in the Christie Sevens at RFUEA ground in Nairobi this weekend.

Having claimed the Main Cup at Kakamega and Dala tournaments, the bankers, who are coached by former Kenya Sevens international Denis Mwanja, are eyeing another top finish, which will put them in pole position to win the overall title when the circuit concludes with the Driftwood leg in Mombasa next weekend.

KCB, who last won the circuit in 2014, lead with 72 points, three ahead of second-placed Mwamba. With the Christie event likely to shape the title race, Mwanja is aware that any slip up at the tournament, hosted by Kenya Harlequins, would be costly.

Other title contenders Nakuru RFC and Homeboyz jointly occupying the third spot, having collected 64 points each, while Menengai Oilers are fifth with 61 points.

Speaking to Standard Sport after the Christie Sevens draw was made, Mwanja said they have moved on from their below-par performance at the Prinsloo Sevens in Nakuru where they finished fifth.

“Nakuru was a wake-up call and we now want to safeguard our lead. The players are recharged and have come to terms with the competitive nature of the circuit. They cannot afford a slip-up or underrate team,” Mwanja said.

At the Christie showpiece, Mwanja’s men have been drawn with Menengai Oilers, their sister club Northern Suburbs and Daystar Falcons. KCB are widely tipped to top the pool and secure passage to tomorrow’s Main Cup quarter-finals.

“It’s a case of who will blink first. KCB and Mwamba have shown resilience, winning two legs each and it’s definitely a marathon which requires wits, good planning and concentration,” said Mwanja, adding that their goal today will be finishing top of pool D.

The Ruaraka-based side open their campaign against Northern Suburbs at 10:48 am before facing Daystar Falcons at 1:48 pm, and Oilers at 5:06 pm.

The Christie Sevens men’s tournament is being held concurrently with the women’s tourney, with the likes of Impala Ladies, Mwamba Ladies, Homeboyz and Northern Suburbs Ladies all set to participate. First round fixtures will see Mwamba Ladies clash with Homeboyz Ladies at 11:24 am.

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