KCB reclaim Kenya National 7s Circuit lead with tense Kabeberi final win over Strathmore

KCB Rugby reclaimed the lead in Kenya’s National 7s Circuit standings on Saturday after defeating Strathmore Leos 14-12 in a tense final at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, winning the third-leg Kabeberi 7s and sending a pointed message to their title rivals.

The defending champions had entered the weekend under pressure. After winning the opening-round Prinsloo Sevens, they slumped to fifth place at the Dala Sevens a fortnight ago, allowing Kabras Sugar to move ahead of them in the overall table. The Kabeberi result reverses that — Kabras Sugar crashed out in the quarterfinals in Nairobi and now sit six points behind KCB, with Kenya Harlequins a further six back in third.

KCB’s victory was built on the performances of Kenyan HSBC SVNS regulars George Ooro and Mike Wekesa, who scored the side’s two tries. Co-captain Brian Wahinya added the decisive conversions. Strathmore captain Gabriel Ayimba scored a double in reply, but it was not enough to prevent KCB from sweeping through the pool stages and closing out the final.

The result carried an emotional weight for Strathmore, who had suffered a devastating loss earlier in the week. Ugandan international Hamza Muhaise passed away suddenly after collapsing following a training session. Ayimba dedicated the team’s performance to their late teammate.

“We wanted to play for Hamza,” Ayimba told The Standard. “His death affected all of us, but we knew he would have wanted us to fight and give our best.”

Despite falling at the final hurdle, Strathmore’s run to the decider — pushing established sides throughout the tournament — will provide genuine momentum as the circuit enters its second half.

Elsewhere on the weekend, Mwamba RFC Ladies defended the women’s title, defeating Kenya Harlequin Queens 12-7. In Division Two, NYS Spades earned promotion back to Division One with a 14-0 win over Kabete Stallions.

The circuit now stands at its halfway point, with Round Four — the Driftwood Sevens — scheduled for 22-23 August at Mombasa Sports Club.

National 7s Circuit Men’s Standings (Top 5)

1. KCB Rugby — 57 pts
2. Kabras Sugar RFC — 51 pts
3. Kenya Harlequins — 45 pts
4. Menengai Oilers — 43 pts
5. Strathmore Leos — 39 pts