‘Mighty Quins’ hold on to crown

Mwamba’s defensive lapse in the last minutes gifted Kenya Harlequin with two quick tries as they triumphed 15-10 to retain the Nivea For Men Christie Sevens.

Mwamba were a sight to behold with solid defense and sharp attacks to get two tries for a swift 10-0 lead at intervals in the opening leg of the Western Union National Sevens Circuit.

However, Quins changed the tide to bludgeon through three tries with the two winners coming in the last two minutes in the tigt final at the RFUEA grounds.

The “Mighty Quins” now take the series lead with 24 points heading to Prinsloo Sevens that was due Friday but moved to Saturday in Nakuru. Mwamba are second on 20 points.

The change of Prinsloo start has been occasioned by an official government invitation to the Kenya National Sevens Team to attend the promulgation of the new constitution on Friday.

Mwamba skipper Humphrey Kayange made a quick try from the rack before Edgar Abere completed some whacky sidepieces with a try but Kevin Wambua missed the conversions.

Missed conversion

Quins regrouped and upped the tempo with explosive display in the last three minutes of the second half. Mwamba conceded a penalty few metres off the line in the onslaught. Victor Sudi was swift to give it a quick tap before going down for the try.

Then William Ambaka brought Quins on level terms 10-10, when he sliced through a napping Mwamba defence for the try line.

How Naftali Bondo missed the conversion in front of the posts is still a mystery. Mwamba’s surge was nipped in the bud when Leon Adongo made a cheeky try after a superb exchange at the death.

“Kayange really carried Mwamba in the first half but our strong bench had to come up with a neat formula and thank God it worked,” said Quins tactician Charles Cardovillis.

“We were in better shape and kudos to Mwamba as it was a worthy final. We now know what it takes to win a final.”