Homeboyz, Mwamba remain on course at Christies

Series leaders Homeboyz and Mwamba kept the dream of winning this year’s Stanbic Bank National Sevens Series alive when they won two matches each to reach Christie Sevens main Cup quarterfinals at the RFUEA ground on Saturday.

Homeboyz, who went into the final leg at the top of the Series with 100 points, edged out Blue Bulls & Tuks Combined from South Africa 26-7, before crushing Menengai Oilers 21-0 in their Pool “B” outing.

Mwamba, who are placed second with 92 points, downed visiting Narvskaya Zastava from Russia 30-12, before beating the University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine 31-12 in Pool “A”.

Homeboyz, who were due to play Nakuru in their final pool duel, only need to reach the Cup semi-finals set for Sunday to reclaim the Series title they won for the first and last time in 2016.

Homeboyz have three victories to their credit this season from Prinsloo, Sepetuka and Kabeberi, besides finishing second at Dala Sevens and fourth at Driftwood.

Blue Bluss &Tuks looked destined for the Cup quarters when they recovered from the Deejays' loss to crush Nakuru 40-5. They were to face Oilers in their final pool match.

Homeboyz were up against Nakuru, who had beaten Oilers 24-12 in their opening match.

Mwamba, who won the Dala Sevens and finished second at Prinsloo and Sepetuka, must win the Christies to lift the Series title, but only if Homeboyz don't reach the Cup semi-finals.

Third-placed Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) stopped Strathmore Leos and Kisii 26-12 to ease through to the Cup quarters form Pool “D”. Strathmore, who recovered to pip Nondies 26-12, who were up against Kisii in a match they had to win to qualify for the main Cup.

Nondies, who beat Kisii 36-5 had a tall order against KCB, in their final Pool “D” outing.

Pool “C” was a close affair where Impala Saracens drew with visiting Uganda Emerging Sevens 5-5. However, the Ugandans beat Kenya Harlequin 19-17, while the Sarries edged out Northern Suburbs 28-7.

Quins had earlier dispatched Suburbs 48-0. The Ugandans were up against Suburbs, while Impala were to play Quins to decide who goes through.

“We picked up well with the first game against the South Africans proving key. It was a big game for us and I am glad we won to set the pace against Oilers,” said Homeboyz coach Paul Murunga.

“There is no pressure as we wait for the play-off where we are likely to meet the Russians.”

Mwamba skipper Eliakim “Elibua” Kichoi said they still have hopes of winning the Series even with Homeboyz reaching the Cup quarters.

“This is sevens and anything can happen,” said Kichoi, adding that they had a good game against the Russians.

“Their offloads were clinical hence we had to remain cautious to win the game.”

Johnstone Olindi, Charles Omondi, Alvin Otieno and Michael Wanjala scored a try each as Homeboyz dismissed the South Africans. But not before Olindi curled in two conversions as Bryan Juma converted one.

Jonathan Lawrence managed a try for Blue Bulls &Tuks that Bradley Hartland converted.

Skipper Leonard “Lord Muga” Mugaisi touched down a brace of tries, while Jeff Oluoch managed one as Homeboyz dispatched Gibson Weru’s Oilers. Wanjala made two conversions.

Daniel Taabu and Brian Kivasia scored a brace of tries each, while Gregory Ochieng and Kichoi managed one each as Mwamba stopped Zastava.