Odunga gives KCB Christie Sevens title in extra time

By , K24 Digital
On Mon, 2 Sep, 2019 08:00 | 2 mins read
KCB players celebrate after winning the Christie Sevens at the RFUEA Grounds yesterday. The team is on course for another series victory. Photo/PD/ALEX NJUE

Alex Njue

Hooker Elphas Odunga handed the KCB their historic fifth Christie Sevens title courtesy of a decisive try for a 12-7 win over Nakuru in a sudden-death final played at the RFUEA Grounds.

The bankers’ fine form in the circuit now has them leading with 94 points off three successful title wins in Kakamega, Dala and now Christie.

With just one more left to wrap up the exciting season that has witnessed both celebrations and disappointments, KCB now needs to finish at least fifth in Driftwood sevens at the Mombasa Sports Club for 13 points reward to be crowned overall champs at an unbeatable 107 points even if Mwamba is to win the final leg (106). 

The series defending champs Menengai Cream Homeboyz finished fifth over the weekend but find themselves in an almost ‘impossible mission’ for the overall championship.

The circuit now remains a three-horse race as KCB, Mwamba and Nakuru are the best-placed contenders, Mwamba sitting second on the log with 84 points, just a point ahead of Nakuru.

The first cup finals appearance for Nakuru came with a banger, Kenyan international Nelson Oyoo was speeding when KCB winger Geoffrey Okwatch tackled him above him high to give ‘Wanyore’ a real advantage that was quickly converted by Kenyan International Monate Akuei into a 7-0 lead courtesy of a converted centre post try.

Geoffrey Okwatch’s return took the fans celebrations by a storm when his first touch resulted in a redemption diving try to break for the first half in a seven-all stalemate.

Fly-half Johnstone Olindi almost broke the jink at death but he unfortunately slipped and knocked on the ball to force the centre referee to end the clash 7-7 at full time for a short breather into the sudden death where Elphas Odunga’s hard ran impact was felt.

KCB captain Davis Chenge also almost decided the clash but was stopped a few metres to the try line but his efforts paid big having sucked in Nakuru defenders to create a crucial overlap that was punched in by Elphas Odunga for the all important try to send KCB fans into wild celebrations.