Kenya Quins Win Kisumu Sevens in Style

By Herbert Mwachiro
September 20 2005

Kenya Harlequin began the 2005 Sevens season in style by clinching the Kisumu 7's unbeaten after 2 days of classic rugby displayed by the team. Quins clinched the first of four tournaments by beating their arch rivals Impala 19 - 12 in the Main Cup Final.

It was indeed a sweet sweet victory over the Reds who had no answer for the firepower from Quins artillery. The term "GUNSHOT" rent the air as the boys put in thundering tackles against their opponents. At the end of the tournament the faithful who travelled all the way to the lakeside town sang themselves hoarse with the Quins anthem as it was a Sure, Strong and Superior performance from the lads.

The second team by no means exhibited some fine rugby as well and it was no surprise to them reach the bowl final. However by that time from a squad of 13 they were down to 9 and gave their all to deservedly finish runners up in the Bowl competition. Kennedy Gikaru had a fine weekend with his superlative displays. Usually a prop forward in the 15's version, Kennedy exhibited twinkle toes and deserved the huge clap he received when he finally took his bow. Among the senior sides beaten by the seconds were mean Machine and USIU. Well in seconds, keep up the pressure on the firsts.

Day one saw Quins beat Kisumu 36 - 0, Nakuru 28 - 0 and Nondies 21- 17. It was the Nondies game that showed great character from Quins as the came back from 17 - 0 to beat Nondies 21 - 17 at the death. Ted Omondi almost sent several fans to the heart unit by passing the ball to Patrick Onyango to score in the try area after he done all the hard work and all left was for him to score. The pass to Patrick was unexpected but he exhibited a fine pair of hands to touch down between the posts in the last minute to seal the victory over Nondies.

Come day two and with the business of the preliminaries over it was knock out time where Quins started by knocking off newcomers Strathmore 19 - 0 to make their way to the semi finals where they would be matched up with the defending champions KCB RFC. The semi final was marked by numerous stoppages from the referee who seemed to be at sea with the definition of seven a side rugby but nevertheless a Ted Omondi try was enough to see Quins romp into the final having conceded only 3 tries since the beginning of the tournament and none on day 2.

The final against Impala lived up to its billing with Quins opening the scores with a converted Ted Omondi try only for the Reds to hit back and level the scores to 7 - 7 at the breather. The second half saw Omondi put Quins ahead by showing the Simiyu bothers Innocent and Victor a clean pair of heals to make the score 14 - 7 with Ngonga having converted the try. Then came Allan Makaka's blistering run which he had been saving all weekend and his try all but killed Impala. 19 - 7 the score stood and Quins could afford to relax as they wound down the clock. A consolation try by Victor Sudi made the score respectable to 19 -12, but truth be said, they had been outfoxed, outplayed and outshot. "Gunshot" they all cheered as Impala fell under the heavy Quins tackles.

Quins not only took the main trophy but also had the highest try scorer in Sidney Ashioya and the tournaments Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Ted Omondi. A clean sweep indeed. Next round is the Kabeberi 7's this weekend (24th and 25th September 2005) at the KASARANI Stadium. lets all be there to support the boys as we launch at another trophy.

Quins 1: Kiragu Ngunya, Allan Onyango, Joash Odhallo, Sidney Ashioya, Ted Omondi, Patrick Onyango, Allan Makaka, David Mogere, Joel Kinaro, Francis Rono, Daniel Ngonga and Peter Abuoga.

Quins 2: Kennedy Gikaru, Kennedy Kiprop, Fervent Thumbi, Joel Nganga, George Karanu, Romain Malejacq, Billy Ayodo, Njuki Kamundia, Simon Obiero, Eddie Odhiambo, Eric Mweu.

Once again congratulations to the Kenya Harlequin FC the winners of the Kisumu Rugby 7's 2005.

Back on the social front, the second Quiz night was a great success with 5 times battling out for the honours. The teams were The Okados, Chipolopolo, The Associates, The "NO" vote and Jumichi. This time Joe Onsandos "The Associates" were in poor form and dropped down to joint 3rd with Chipolopolo who were making their first foray. At the tail end were Jumichi who vowed to come back stronger and gunning for top honours in a race that was separated by two points were Paul Nyamodi's "The Okados" and Hambramovich Onsandos "The 'NO' Vote" teams. The Russian led team won and The Okados had to settle for second spot with The 'NO' Vote taking top honours. A very successful and enjoyable evening indeed. Special thanks to AON MINET INSURANCE BROKERS, UAP PROVINCIAL INSURANCE & TELKOM KENYA for providing the prizes for the winners. Also deserving a mention were the Quiz organisers Betty Oloo, Jane Bochere and Herbert Mwachiro. Next Quiz nite on 13th October 2003. Be there!