Quins and Mwamba set early pace

The Western Union National Sevens Circuit seems to be turning out to be a two-horse race between Mwamba and Kenya Harlequin after last weekend’s second leg of Prinsloo Sevens in Nakuru.

They could be playing a catch up but can Impala and Nakuru pull the rabbit out of the hat in the next three legs?

Just who will have the final laugh after the final leg of Driftwood Sevens on September 18-19 in Mombasa?

Mwamba, fondly known as Kulabu and “Mighty Quins” have provided this year’s Circuit with pulsating moments to dominate the opening legs of Nivea for Men Christie Sevens and Prinsloo Sevens.

But it’s Mwamba, who stormed to the NSC lead with 50 points after last weekend’s exploits in Nakuru. Quins have 49 followed by Impala and Nakuru on 36 points each with Strathmore coming in on 28.

Quins were the first to strike in the opening leg of Christie Sevens the previous weekend. They exhibited strength, character and discipline, rallying from two tries down to beat Mwamba 15-10.

That gave Quins an early lead of the NSC with 24 points as Mwamba bagged 20. Nakuru and Impala, who both lost to Quins and Mwamba 10-17 and 0-28 respectively in the semis, collected 16 points each.

The NSC defending champions Strathmore, who are having a lean season, won Plate for 12 points.

But last weekend, the tide turned in Kulabu’s favour as they rocked Quins’ boat in a repeat final of the Christie Sevens.

The Tito Oduk charges once again two a two tries up at half time, and this time around, they made no mistake in their defence to hold on for a 17-10 victory.

Their triumph in 24-team event gave Mwamba 30 points, Quins 25 and Impala and Nakuru 20 apiece.

What has come out strongly in the two legs is the glint the national sevens teams have added not only to the circuit but also to their respective teams after missing out last season.

Dala Sevens

Mwamba, who lost their title last year due to the absence of their international stars Humphrey Kayange, Collins Injera, Horace Owiti, Lavin Asego and George Mbaye, have definitely rediscovered their glow.

Quins also have seen their systems strengthened with the magical arms of burly Victor Sudi, Sydney Ashioya, Patrice Agunda, Leon Adongo and Wilson K’Opondo, who has joined the team from Mean Machine.

The series can only but get interesting as it moves to Kisumu for Dala Sevens this weekend.

“Defence was our major obstacle last season hence we have dedicated 90 per cent of our training to polishing it,” said Oduk. “The sevens players have been of great inspiration to the team.”

Quins coach Charles Cardovillis also looked ahead to Kisumu.

“We had our guns well oiled at Christies but my boys lacked the hunger and drive to strike at Prinsloo as they played catch-up. We have noted our mistakes and we should strike hard in Kisumu,” said Quins coach Charles Cardovillis.