KCB's Elvis olukusi and Nygel Amaitsa in action at the Embu Sevens/HANDOUT
KCB Rugby 7s edged bitter rivals Kabras Sugar 12-10 in a thrilling final to win the Embu Sevens on Sunday and strengthen their grip on the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit title race.
The victory was KCB’s third Cup final win over Kabras in five legs this season and moved the defending champions to 98 points, six clear of their rivals with only the September 12-13 Christie Sevens remaining.
KCB took control through tries by Shujaa forward Vincent Onyala and Emmanuel Opondo, while Kabras responded through Michael Lukusi and Griffin Chao. The bankers, however, held on for the narrow victory.
The result avenged KCB’s defeat by Kabras in the Driftwood Sevens two weeks ago and capped an impressive run by the two sides.
The loss leaves Kabras with a difficult task in the series finale. They must win the Christie Sevens and hope KCB finish no higher than third to overtake the defending champions in the overall standings.
Defending Embu champions Strathmore Leos suffered a group-stage exit.
Menengai Oilers claimed third place after recovering from a 22-5 semi-final defeat by Kabras to beat Daystar Falcons 29-7 in the playoff. It was Oilers’ third podium finish of the season.
KU Blak Blad secured fifth place after edging Kenya Harlequins 17-14, leaving the hosts sixth.
KCB received Sh150,000 for winning the Cup, while Kabras pocketed Sh75,000 and Oilers Sh40,000.
SportPesa Head of Public Relations Willis Ojwang said the series remained open ahead of the final leg.
“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.
