KCB Rugby strengthened their hold on the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit title after stopping bitter rivals Kabras Sugar 12-10 in a tense Embu Sevens Cup final on Sunday to claim their third tournament victory of the season.
The Bankers, who are the defending champions, moved to 98 points at the top of the overall standings, opening a six-point cushion over Kakamega-based Kabras Sugar with only the Christie Sevens season finale remaining.
The Embu victory was another statement from KCB, who have now faced Kabras in the Cup final three times in the five legs played this season. Their latest victory also avenged the loss they suffered against the Kakamega giants at the Driftwood Sevens a fortnight ago.
Kenya Shujaa star Vincent Onyala and Emmanuel Opondo scored the decisive tries for KCB in a closely fought final in which neither side was willing to surrender an inch.
Kabras responded through Michael Lukusi and Griffin Chao, keeping the contest finely balanced as the match entered its closing stages. However, KCB held their nerve to secure the narrow victory and the Sh150,000 prize awarded to the Embu champions.
Kabras collected Sh75,000 as runners-up.
The result leaves KCB firmly in control of the championship race heading into Christie Sevens, where they will be seeking to successfully defend the series crown.
KCB's dominance in Embu was evident from the opening stages as they swept aside their enemies in the group and knockout rounds before meeting their familiar rivals in another high-stakes final.
The elimination of defending Embu Sevens champions Strathmore Leos at the group stage ensured a new winner would be crowned, with KCB and Kabras taking advantage of the opening to dominate the latter stages.
Menengai Oilers completed the podium after trouncing Daystar Falcons 29-7 in the third-place playoff. Oilers recovered strongly from their 22-5 semi-final defeat by Kabras to finish third for the third time this season and pocket KES 40,000.
Blak Blad from Kenyatta University claimed fifth place after edging Kenya Harlequins 17-14, leaving Quins in sixth.
SportPesa Head of PR Willis Ojwang said KCB had made a strong statement in Embu, but warned that the championship remained undecided.
“KCB have made a real statement by taking a stranglehold at the top,” said Ojwang.
He added that Kabras, who have pushed KCB in three finals, could still turn the tables at Christie.
For KCB, however, the equation is increasingly straightforward: maintain their composure in Nairobi and the defending champions will retain the National 7s Circuit crown.
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