Prinsloo Sevens: Kabras, Quins keep title hopes, KCB RFC crash out

 The 2024 Kenya Rugby Union national sevens circuit will have a new champion after title holders KCB RFC were knocked out of the main cup competition at the sixth leg, and also at the last round of the circuit, Prinsloo 7s, currently on-going at the Nakuru Athletic Club, in Nakuru city.

KCB faced an unexpected exit from the tournament after a 7 -7 draw against Nondies RFC in Pool ‘B’, which saw them miss out on the cup quarters.

Earlier Saturday, hosts Nakuru RFC handed KCB a 21-20 defeat.

Kabras RFC, Kenya Harlequin, and Strathmore Leos secured crucial wins on the opening day, earning tickets to the quarters.

Kabras RFC, the reigning National 7s Circuit champions, displayed their class with a 26-5 victory over Daystar Falcons, even after being reduced to six men following a red card. This crucial win keeps their hopes alive for both the Prinsloo 7s title and the overall National 7s Circuit crown.

Kevin Wekesa, was instrumental in Kabras’ attack, breaking through the right wing to set up Patrick Lumumba for the opening try, giving Kabras a 7-0 lead. Wekesa's combination with Eric Cantona resulted in another try, with Lumumba crossing the line again to extend the lead to 14-0.

Cantona continued his impressive form, diving under the posts for a try that James Olela converted to push the score to 21-0. Daystar Falcons responded through Trevor Opondo’s try, bringing the score to 21-5, but Kabras sealed the victory with a final try by Brian Mutua from a cross-kick by Olela, completing a 26-5 win.

Kabete Stallions also advanced to the cup quarterfinals after defeating Kabarak University, marking their first quarterfinal appearance of the season.

Quins in hunt for the title

Kenya Harlequin made a major step toward winning the Prinsloo 7s, topping Pool A with a perfect record after a 31-17 win over Zetech Oaks. With nine points from three matches, Quins are now just one win away from claiming the overall National 7s Circuit title.

Zetech Oaks struggled early, conceding a yellow card that Quins capitalized on. Leonard Fogang scored the opening try, and Amon Wamalwa added the conversion for a 7-0 lead. Richel Wangila set up Wamalwa for a second try, doubling the lead to 14-0.

Zetech fought back, scoring two tries to close the gap to just two points. However, Charles Kinyajui’s try restored Quins’ control, and despite Zetech’s further efforts, a missed conversion left them trailing. Quins then sealed the win with two late tries from returnee Leeon Nyang and Wamalwa.

Menengai Oilers also advanced to the quarterfinals after thrashing Mombasa RFC 57-0, finishing second in Pool ‘A’ with seven points.

Nakuru RFC topped Pool B with eight points after a dramatic 19-12 win over Mwamba, securing their spot in the quarterfinals. Nondies, finishing second with seven points, also advanced, while KCB and Mwamba are left to compete for the Challenge Trophy.

Strathmore Leos maintained their unbeaten record, dominating Pool ‘C’ with nine points after a commanding win over Blak Blad. Both Strathmore and Blak Blad advanced to the cup quarterfinals, showing consistency and strength in the early rounds of the Prinsloo 7s.

2024 Prinsloo 7s day 1 results

Zetech Oaks 35-5Mombasa SC RC

Kenya Harlequins 17-12 Menengai Oilers

Nondescripts 5-5 Nakuru RFC

KCB Rugby 15-0 Mwamba RFC

Strathmore Leos 19-7 Catholic Monks

KU Blakblad 5-5 MMUST

Daystar Falcons 24-12 Kabarak University

Kabras Sugar 26-5 Stallions Rugby

Impala Western Spears

Mwamba Ladies NYS Spades

Northern Suburbs Kabarak University

Zetech Oaks 19-24 Menengai Oilers

Kenya Harlequins 38-12 Mombasa SC RC

Nondescripts 26-12 Mwamba RFC

KCB Rugby 20-21 Nakuru RFC

Strathmore Leos 29-0 MMUST

KU Blakblad  19-10 Catholic Monks

Daystar Falcons 12-12 Stallions Rugby

Kabras Sugar 38-0 Kabarak University

Ruck It Rugby vs Western Spears

Kenya Harlequins Ladies vs NYS Spades

Nakuru RFC vs Kabarak University

Menengai Oilers 57-0 Mombasa SC RC

Mwamba RFC  12-19 Nakuru RFC

MMUST 14-19 Catholic Monks

Stallions Rugby 14-0 Kabarak University

Kenya Harlequin 31-17 Zetech Oaks

KCB Rugby 7-7 Nondescripts

KU Blakblad 0-17 Strathmore Leos

Kabras Sugar vs Daystar Falcons