Alex Njue
Stanbic Mwamba won their own tournament as they beat surprise finalists Menengai Oilers to lift the Kabeberi Sevens title at Kinoru Stadium, Meru on Sunday.
Last season's runners-ups went one better this time, beating Oilers 27-7 to lift title in what was the second leg of the National Sevens Circuit.
Billy Odhiambo scored a brace, for a joint top try scorer award alongside the Most Valuable Player (MVP) gong, as team-mate and rookie Tony Omondi clinched the most promising rookie player award.
The black shirts' first title of the season was courtesy of five tries and a conversion while Oilers managed one converted try by Austin Sikutwa who was joint top try scorer with Odhiambo after touching down seven times each.
Mwamba led 15-0 at the break courtesy of Stephen Sikuta, Tony Omondi and Odhiambo's efforts.
On resumption, Kenyan international and try machine Collins Injera ran hard at the Oilers defence to take the scores to 20-0 after another failed conversion attempt by Omondi.
The Gibson Weru-led Oilers would then score the consolation try through speedster Sikutwa with Abutali Wesonga converting to cut the scores to 20-7.
The tournament's MVP 'Billy the kid' as he is popularly known then slit his way past the Oilers defence to score a centre post try which was well converted by Injera for the 27-7 win.
Coming into the match, the hosts were focused on improving their play from the circuit opener in Kakamega last week where they finished third and lived up to it.
“Coming to Meru, we were focused on improving our game because we are good in moving the ball but our striking and execution needed some work. In the process, we also touched on our defence and that is why we only conceded four tries. We will build on the good start and focus on Dala Sevens,” said Injera.
Despite the loss, Weru is convinced his side is improving and is only a matter of time before they win a trophy.
“We lost the ball in crucial times and did not utilise our chances. Otherwise, improving how we play means winning a tournament and that will happen soon,” Weru told People Sport.
Meanwhile, Top Fry Nakuru clinched bronze after upsetting Kakamega Sevens winners KCB 17-12.
KABEBERI SEVENS
Main Cup
Oilers 7-27 Mwamba
Bronze winners
KCB 12-17 Nakuru
Fifth-place
Nondies 0-12 Homeboyz
Challenge Trophy
Impala 21-14 Strathmore
13th Place
Quins 24-17 Monks
