KCB clinch Prinsloo Sevens title

National Sevens circuit champions KCB beat Nakuru RFC 26-10 to lift the Prinsloo Sevens at Nakuru Athletic Club on Sunday.

Victory took the bankers’ tally in the series this season to 85 points 17 more than second-placed Homeboyz who are on 68 points.

Having won three out of the four legs held so far, KCB now need just six points from the Christie Sevens, the last leg of the circuit to retain their title.

In yesterday’s final, the champions were dominant against a battling Nakuru side. They however had to come from behind to secure victory.

Buoyed by a partisan home crowd, the hosts took the lead through Philip Owuor who scored between the posts after outpacing his markers.

However, Edwin Makori failed to convert the try and this allowed KCB back into the game. Edwin Salamba took on three Nakuru players leaving them for dead as he raced to score the bankers’ opening try.

Three minutes later, Peter Kilonzo scored another try for KCB after combining well with Jacob Ojee. Nakuru hit back once again when Charles Odhiambo raced clear to score between the posts to bring the home side to within two points of their opponents.

THREW MORE MEN FORWARD

Looking to take full control of the game, KCB threw men forward but Nakuru held on. Ojee would finally breach Nakuru’s defence to score a try which was converted by Salamba to take KCB’s lead to 19-10 at half time.

The second half was played at a slow tempo as KCB took their feet off the gas with victory in sight. Captain Oliver Mang’eni got his name in the score sheet with the only try of the half which Salamba converted for a final score of 26-19.

The final whistle brought with it celebrations from the bankers who gathered on the pitch for a prayer. KCB coach Curtis Olago attributed his team’s success to mental strength and discipline.

“My players put in good performances in every match in this tournament. This is the result of hard work and determination,” Olago told Daily Nation Sport.

The tactician said his team is now aiming for victory in the Christie Sevens that will see them retaining their national title. KCB beat Mwamba 22-0 in the semis while hosts Nakuru, popularly known as Wanyore, score an identical 22-0 victory over Western Bulls in the other semis.