KCB and MMUST battle in Christie Sevens quarters

Willy Ambaka of Kenya Harlequins. [WILBERFORCE OKWIRI, STANDARD]

KCB and MMUST will clash in the Christie Sevens Main Cup quarter-finals at the RFUEA ground, Nairobi today as the battle for supremacy in the National Sevens circuit gathers momentum.

The bankers, who are currently leading the National Sevens Circuit standings with 72 points, reached the last eight with winning streak yesterday to top pool D. With second-placed Mwamba, who have collected 69 points, KCB seek to claim at least a podium finish today in order to remain in contention for the title ahead of next weekend’s season-ending leg, Driftwood Sevens, set for Mombasa.

Three tries and one conversion saw the Ruaraka-based KCB kick off their campaign with a 17-5 win over their sister club Northern Suburbs before booking a place in the Main Cup quarter finals after coming from behind to thump varsity side Daystar Falcons 26-7 in their second match. The Denis Mwanja-coached side then secured top spot with a victory against Menengai Oilers.

DIFFICULT JOURNEY

MMUST, who will be looking to upset Mwanja’s charges and progress, had a somewhat difficult journey to the quarter finals having been forced to dig deep for a 17-12 win against cross-town neighbours Kabras Sugar before going down 12-24 to Nakuru RFC. The Kakamega outfit who are coached by Ochieng’ Ahaya, were then held 17-17 by Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad in their last match to settle for second position.

Circuit defending champions Homeboyz, who are yet to clinch the Main Cup this season, are also through to the quarter finals after thumping invited Ugandan side Pirates 46-5 before following it up with a come-from-behind 17-12 win against Christie Sevens hosts Kenya Harlequin. The Deejays, who are currently third on the overall standings with 64 points, then concluded the preliminaries with a 17-5 loss against Impala Saracens.

“The pool was quite tough especially coming up against Kenya Harlequin who are the hosts, defending champions Homeboyz and Uganda’s Pirates. We were a bit hesitant against Kenya Harlequin in our first match but the boys showed great attitude and recovered in the remaining fixtures and I commend them for that,” Impala coach Oscar Osir said.

Osir’s charges topped their pool, consequently setting up a Main Cup quarter final against Nondescripts, who finished second in pool A.

“We respect every opponent. Nondescripts are a solid side with a good coach and I hope we play well against them,” Osir added.