The two sides had been the stand out teams over the two days, the Leos begun their quest with a 22-5 win over Chipu in the first game of the tournament. They followed this up with commanding 47-0 and 22-0 wins over MKU and USIU respectively.
The Djs on their part opened their campaign with a 24-0 win over TUK, moving on to see off Nazarene 48-0 on day one. They completed the pool stage without conceding a single point after beating Blak Blad 20-0.
The Leos would go ahead and meet MMU in the main cup quarter final, steam rolling past the students from Rongai 46-0 and march into the semi final. The Djs had a tougher challenge in their quarter final where they met Impala, conceding their first try in the tournament before winning 28-7.
The other cup quarter finalists were Mean Machine who beat TUK 31-5 and The Ninjas, Machine's second side who took a Chipu side to sudden death before losing 5-0. This was one of the highlight matches of the two days. Machine II had been impressive so far, topping Pool D but most had not given them a chance against a Chipu side that featured most of the Kenya U-19 side that finished second in the continent complimented by some experienced players from Homeboyz.
The Ninjas defended resolutely against the Chipu and had some great chances to score but in the end the extra experience in the Chipu side gave them the edge as they sneaked through in the first half of sudden death.
The other highlight match of the tournament was the last game on Day one where Impala took on Machine in Pool B. This match went on to prove my theory that machine best play under floodlights, the Eschuma dominated the game from start, commanding the breakdown area against what was a much bigger Impala side. They gave very little to the red shirts going on to win 26-12 to all but seal top spot in that Pool.
Impala's woes were further compounded after that loss, they went on to lose the Plate final to TUK, 14-7. Before this Impala had beaten the already stretched Machine II 37-0 with TUK edging past MMU 10-5.
In the Bowl, USIU beat the Aviators 24-7 in the quarter finals, following this up with a 22-0 win over Blak Blad before beating MMU 24-0 to lift the trophy.
It was another year of heart break for the hosts as they lost their fourth final in a row in this tournament. The Leos opened up a 12-0 lead in the first half, before Leornard Mugaisi broke the Strathmore defence to take the match into the half time break at 12-7. Strathmore would stretch their lead to 19-7 before an Augustine Lughonzo try gave the hosts hope of a comeback at 19-12 but it was not to be as the Leos held on for the win and the 50,000 cash prize it came with.
The tournament was a great preparation for the upcoming 15s season, especially in making the transition from 7s to 15s. It was also a great platform for the smaller sides to get the exposure of playing against some of the seasoned sides.
It was a great two days of tens rugby, though the Friday date didn't work out well with most having a busy schedule in school and work. If the organisers do stick with the Friday and Saturday format going ahead, then they should consider pushing the kick off to evening then play well into the night, which is easier said than done given security concerns.
Locally attention now moves to the Impala Floodlites that kicks off on 12th October, as we approach the start of the 15s season. The same date will also see the start of the HSBC World series in Gold Coast Australia...and I have this feeling that our wait for a cup title might just come to an end huko down under.
With that ladies and gents, mbona hamkuwai niambia nina sauti poa hivi? hehe, I am now open for bookings to MC at weddings, birthdays and other events lol...Have a great week ahead aaannnnnndddddd.....
KWISHA.....Nimeruka Nje!!
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