Kenya Harlequins edged KCB 15-12 to win the penultimate leg of the National Sevens Circuit, Driftwood Sevens, at the Mombasa Sports Club on Sunday.
Harlequins coach Paul Murunga noted the team’s resilience in overcoming a 7-5 first-half deficit.
Quins top the table with 97 points followed by Kabras (88) and KCB (86).
"We are back to the top of the table. It’s a good thing as it has opened up the gap. We now shift gears to Priscloo in Nakuru," said Murunga.
Murunga highlighted the recurring trend in matches against KCB, where Harlequins often trailed at halftime.
"In all our encounters with KCB, they have always led in the first half, so this case was no different, but we were able to regroup and restructure."
Kenyatta University side, Blakblad, finished third — their first-ever podium placing —after defeating Kabras 22-10.
Despite falling short of their title aspirations, Blakblad coach Benard Rotich expressed satisfaction with the team's performance.
"I feel good though we fell short of our main cup aspirations. At least we finished on the podium. It’s a first and the best thing to ever happen at Blakblad," said Rotich.
Blakblad were forced to make adjustments due to injuries, with Rotich noting that key players Ian Oyoo and Major Mulongo returned after spells on the sidelines, while Derrick Olela, Steve Odhiambo and Shoyb Wesonga were ruled out.
"Credit to the boys for putting in the effort. We braced ourselves for the tackle and capitalised and it worked for us," Rotich said.
Reflecting on their 7-0 semifinal loss to Harlequins, Rotich admitted: "We went off our game plan. We had the ball at our disposal but did not stick to the plan."
"The bar is now set high; there's a lot expected of us and we expect a lot from ourselves. We’ll focus on recovery, training and diet. The boys played for the injured and the entire Blakblad community."
