KCB sails through the Christie Sevens quarters

KCB winger Jacob Ojee in action during the Christie Sevens.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The National Sevens Circuit defending champions, KCB, have booked their slot in the Christie 7s quarterfinals after kicking off the opening leg of the six-leg circuit on a high in an action-packed Saturday at the RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi.

The Bankers finished second in Pool A in the Christie 7s group pairings after winning two of the three matches played on the opening day. They were drawn in the same pool with Nondescripts, Homeboyz Rugby, and Impala RFC.  

The Bankers, who are also the Christie Sevens defending champions, faced a tough time in their opening game against Homeboyz RFC. The DJs drew first blood to take an early lead of 14-00 by halftime before the Bankers bounced back through Felix Ojee, Brian Wahinya, and first rising star Lionel Anjeliti to bag a narrow win with the 17-14 scoreline.

Austin Sikutwa (center) in action for KCB during the Christie Sevens.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

In the second game of the day, Peter Kilonzo, Lionel Anjeliti, Jacob Ojee, Elphas Adunga and Elvis Olukusi were on target as KCB asserted its authority, subduing hapless Impala RFC 47-00.

KCB suffered a setback in the last game of the day, losing 17-14 to the stubborn Nondies, who finished top in Pool A.

 “We had a good start today despite failing to finish on top of the pool, but we are looking forward to bouncing back stronger as we head to the knock-out stages tomorrow. We have a few lessons to pick from today’s action, and we will come back charged for tomorrow,” Dennis Mwanja said.

KCB has missed the services of Vincent Onyalla, Samuel Asati, and Festus Shiasi, who are away with the Shujaa team in the Paris Olympics. Andrew Amonde, who led the team to national sevens glory last year, is also away with the national team.