Kenya Harlequins triumphed in a thrilling final against KCB, securing a hard-fought 15-12 victory to win the Driftwood Sevens at the Mombasa Sports Club on Sunday. This penultimate leg of the National Sevens Circuit saw Harlequins demonstrate their grit and resilience as they overturned a 7-5 halftime deficit to claim the title, further cementing their place at the top of the overall standings.
The win was especially significant for Harlequins as it not only handed them the Driftwood Sevens title but also propelled them to the summit of the National Sevens Circuit table with 97 points. They now lead the standings ahead of Kabras, who have 88 points, and KCB, who sit in third place with 86 points.
Harlequins’ Second-Half Resilience
Paul Murunga, head coach of Harlequins, praised his team for their resilience and ability to bounce back after trailing at halftime. The team faced a familiar challenge against KCB, a side that had consistently led them in the first half in previous encounters. This match was no exception, as KCB took a narrow 7-5 lead into the break. However, Harlequins regrouped during halftime, reorganizing their approach and executing a strong second-half performance to turn the game in their favor.
“We are delighted to be back at the top of the table,” said an elated Murunga after the match. “It’s a significant achievement as we’ve widened the gap between us and our closest rivals. Now, our focus shifts to the final leg at Priscloo in Nakuru.”
Murunga acknowledged the recurring trend in their matches against KCB, where Harlequins have often trailed at halftime. However, he emphasized the team’s ability to remain calm and stick to their game plan. “In all our matches with KCB, they’ve consistently taken the lead in the first half. Today was no different, but we managed to reorganize and turn the game in our favor,” he explained.
Harlequins’ victory was built on a combination of solid defense, clever ball handling, and disciplined play. Their second-half efforts paid off, as they scored crucial tries to edge past a strong KCB side that had looked dangerous throughout the match.
Blakblad’s Historic Podium Finish
Meanwhile, in the battle for third place, Kenyatta University’s Blakblad achieved a significant milestone by securing their first-ever podium finish. They defeated Kabras 22-10, earning third place in the tournament. Despite falling short of their goal to compete for the main cup, Blakblad’s performance was a major breakthrough for the team, marking their best result in the National Sevens Circuit to date.
Blakblad’s head coach, Benard Rotich, expressed pride in his team’s progress, noting that the podium finish was a testament to their hard work and perseverance throughout the tournament. “Even though we didn’t achieve our main cup ambitions, I’m proud of the team for finishing on the podium,” Rotich said. “It’s the best result we’ve ever had, and a major step forward for Blakblad.”
The third-place finish was even more impressive given the injury setbacks that Blakblad faced throughout the tournament. Key players such as Ian Oyoo and Major Mulongo returned to action after recovering from injuries, but the team was still without several other important players. Derrick Olela, Steve Odhiambo, and Shoyb Wesonga were ruled out of the tournament due to injuries, forcing Rotich to make tactical adjustments to his lineup.
Rotich commended the team for adapting to the circumstances and performing at a high level despite the challenges. “We had to make adjustments due to injuries, but the players who stepped in did a great job. We’ll continue to work hard as we prepare for the final leg of the circuit,” he added.
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Looking Ahead to the Final Leg
With the Driftwood Sevens concluded, all eyes now turn to the final leg of the National Sevens Circuit, which will take place in Nakuru at the Priscloo Sevens. Harlequins will go into the tournament with a sense of confidence, knowing that they have a nine-point lead over their closest rivals, Kabras. However, Murunga stressed the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency as they head into the decisive final leg.
“The job isn’t done yet,” Murunga said. “We’re happy with where we are, but we can’t afford to relax. We have to keep working hard and make sure we finish strong in Nakuru.”
KCB, currently third in the standings, will be looking to bounce back from their defeat in the Driftwood Sevens final and close the gap on Harlequins. Similarly, Kabras will be determined to challenge for the top spot, knowing that a strong performance in Nakuru could potentially see them overtake Harlequins in the race for the circuit title.
As the National Sevens Circuit approaches its final chapter, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion, with Harlequins, Kabras, and KCB all vying for top honors. For Blakblad, their historic podium finish at Driftwood will serve as motivation to continue improving as they aim to make a lasting impact in Nakuru and beyond.
