Mwamba recover from shaky start in Kabeberi 7s defence

Champions Mwamba RFC’s defence of their Kabeberi 7s title started on shaky ground after being held to a 12-12 draw by Pool C minnows Menengai Oilers in an enthralling match at Nairobi’s Rugby Football Union of East Africa Grounds.

Martin Wanjia fluffed his shot when he failed to capitalise on a last ditch conversion that would have given the champions their first win of the competition at the second leg of the national sevens series.

Mike Agevi gave the tournament’s host the lead but captivating performances from the Oilers saw them take the lead after crossing the white wash twice and successfully converting a penalty to make it 12-7.

The introduction of Shaban Ahmed sparked life into Mwamba as he tore through the Oilers’ back line to set-up Steve Sikuta for their second try.

With a minute to go, Wanjia took up the responsibility for the last thrust but his effort went well wide to deny the champions a hard fought win against a resurgent side.

Mwamba however recovered from the draw with a 40-0 demolition of Catholic University’s Monks to put their quest of the crown back on track.

Top Fry Nakuru became the first team to reach the tournament quarterfinals after recording successive victories in Pool A over Daystar Falcons and Western Bulls.

In a group largely dominated by Wanyore, a 29-5 triumph over The Falcons was preceded by a 15-0 shut out of Bulls.

It was a happy first match for the Bulls however, as they disposed of the tournaments favourites Menengai Homeboyz in the first upset of the day.

Alvin Otieno and Charles scored two unconverted tries for Homeboyz but Western Bulls responded with a converted try to bring the scores to 10-7 at the break.

Emmanuel Owade breached the Deejays tryline after Cyprian Kuto shot up on defence to give Bulls the lead, a lead that they held to the end, for the12-10 upset.

Ginton Adongo’s last gasp try secured a 19-12 win for the Strathmore Leos in Pool D action against a determined Nondescripts.

Churchill Ooko’s converted a try to give the Leos a 7-0 lead before Brian Maonga got Nondies to within two points of their opponents at 7-5.

Ishmael Mokaya gave Nondies a 12-7 lead before John Oduk restored parity setting up a dramatic final minute.

Adongo pounced on a loose ball at the pinnacle point of the match and with a beautifully culminated finish saw Ooko conversion give Leos a 19-12 win.

KCB and Strathmore Leos secured cup quarterfinal qualification from Pool D after winning their second round of matches.

KCB scored three converted tries from Jimmy Kilonzo, Arthur Ochieng and Isaac Njoroge to register a 21-0 win that condemned Nondescripts to the bowl by virtue of a second straight loss.

The series continues Sunday in the last day of the two-day event.

RESULTS WRAP

Menengai Cream Homeboyz 10 Western Bulls 12

Top Fry 29     Daystar Falcons 5

Resolution Impala Saracens 19 Blak Blad 7

Kabras Sugar 36 Mean Machine 5

Quins 34 Catholic Monks 0

Mwamba 12 Menengai Oilers 12

Strathmore Leos 19 Nondescripts 12

KCB 31 Kisii 0