KCB RFC emerged as the champions of the Christie sevens leg of the national sevens circuit after defeating Strathmore Leos 17-12 in a thrilling final on Sunday.
The bankers overcame a 5-0 deficit in the first half to score two tries and a conversion to lead 12-5 at the break. They added another try in the second half to extend their lead to 17-5 before Leos scored a consolation try to reduce the gap to 17-12.
Christie7s FINALS.
Full time scores:@strathleos27 12 vs @kcbrugby 17@kcbrugby are the new Christie7s Champions. Congratulations 👏🏾#Christie7s #SSS #NSC7s #Sportpesa7s
— #Christie7s (@KenyaHarlequins) August 13, 2023
However, it was too late for the defending champions to stage a comeback, as KCB held on to secure their first title of the season after finishing third in the previous two legs.
“We worked a lot on our mental (preparedness) and there were a few changes that we brought in to help the team. We had the hunger to be able to come back and win; so it’s just a congratulations to the team for the hard work,” KCB sevens head coach Andrew Amonde said.
Strathmore Leos coach Louis Kisia congratulated KCB for their clinical display to win the Christie sevens leg, but also lauded his team for their best finish of the season.
“The boys were ready for the final we started strongly and scored the first try. It was just unfortunate that two things happened; one time caught up with us and two KCB were so clinical. I won’t take anything away from my boys for the way they’ve played it was just that KCB punished us for our mistakes,” he said.
In the third-place play-off, Kabras Sugar edged out Menengai Oilers 19-14 to claim the bronze medal. The next leg of the national sevens circuit will be held in Nakuru on October 2-3.