KCB edge Kabras to lift Embu 7s title

It was the third time in five legs this season that the two heavyweights had met in a Cup final, with KCB once again getting the better of Kabras to strengthen their grip on the overall series standings.

Shujaa forward Vincent Onyala and Emmanuel Opondo scored the crucial tries for the Bankers, who withstood a spirited Kabras fightback.

Kabras responded with tries from Michael Lukusi and Griffin Chao, keeping the contest finely balanced until the closing stages, but KCB held on to secure the title.

The victory lifted defending champions KCB to 98 points at the top of the overall standings, six ahead of Kabras heading into the season finale at Christie 7s.

Both sides had enjoyed a dominant run in Embu, sweeping aside their opponents in the group and knockout stages before setting up yet another showdown in the final.

The defeat leaves Kabras with little room for error heading into the final leg.

Six points behind KCB, the Western Kenya side must win the Christie 7s title and hope the Bankers finish no higher than third if they are to overhaul their rivals and claim the overall series crown.

It is a demanding task, with the destiny of the title now firmly in KCB's hands as they head to the season finale as reigning champions at Christie.

Defending Embu 7s champions Strathmore Leos bowed out at the group stage, ensuring the tournament would have a new champion.

That opened the door for KCB and Kabras, who have dominated the circuit this season, to battle for the title.

KCB also avenged their defeat to Kabras in the Driftwood 7s final a fortnight ago.

Menengai Oilers bounced back from their 22-5 semi-final defeat to Kabras by beating Daystar Falcons 29-7 in the third-place playoff.

The result saw Oilers finish on the podium for the third time this season, although they once again settled for third place.

Elsewhere, KU Blak Blad edged hosts Kenya Harlequins 17-14 in the fifth-place playoff, leaving Harlequins to finish sixth.

KCB took home KES 150,000 for winning the Embu 7s Cup, while runners-up Kabras received KES 75,000.

Menengai Oilers, who completed the podium after beating Daystar, pocketed KES 40,000.

With only one leg remaining, SportPesa says the battle for the overall title remains open.

Speaking after the Embu 7s, SportPesa Head of PR Willis Ojwang said KCB's victory had put them in a strong position but warned that the title race was far from over.

"We're within sight of the finish line, and KCB have made a real statement by taking a stranglehold at the top of the overall standings with this Embu win.

"But this season has taught us not to call anything until the final whistle blows at Christie 7s — Kabras have pushed them all the way in three finals now, and Oilers' consistency on the podium shows the chasing pack isn't done either," said Ojwang.

He added that the financial rewards were intended to support the competitiveness of the circuit.

"Every shilling we put on the table, from the KES 150,000 on offer for the Cup winners down to the podium rewards, is our way of backing that competitiveness.

"The overall series title and plenty of pride are still up for grabs, and we want every team walking onto the pitch in Kenya Harlequins' backyard knowing this one counts," he added.