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UR7s Kenya Correspondent, Maik Kwambo, gives his lowdown on a dramatic opening leg to Kenya's National Sevens Circuit (NSC).

So that’s it! The curtain has fallen on the first leg of Kenya’s NSC, the 2009 Dala Sevens and what a tournament it was too!

Expecting Nakuru RFC to feature in the main cup final, even with the leadership and vision of Simon Wariuki, was in my humble opinion inconceivable and yet they ended up with the weekend's ultimate prize, the Dala Sevens trophy! That and 30 points puts them in pole position heading into the Christie Sevens on Saturday in Nairobi.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) qualified for the Main Cup quarter-final where they ran Strathmore Leos close, only bowing out courtesy of a 21-17 loss after they twice led during their encounter with the Leos.

Siaya KMTC, playing for the first time in a KRFU sanctioned event made it to the Shield semis, going 0-21 to eventual shield winners Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). The Siaya lads had earlier scored their maiden try in KRFU competitions in that 7-45 loss to MMUST during Saturday's preliminary rounds.

Siaya KMTC who played in an assortment of kit ranging from replica soccer jerseys to plain ol' tee shirts were an enthusiastic lot who caught my eye because of their never say die spirit!

They were rewarded for their exertions at the Dala Sevens with a set of playing kit donated by the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU). It would be great to see a Siaya side take part in more KRFU events or event the league perhaps? I'm just thinking out loud…

Mombasa's representative side began their journey to "Dala" at 2.00pm on Friday 13th November 2009, arriving in Kisumu City at 6.00am the next day.

They deserve credit for not letting the fatigue get the better of them. It just shows how far sides are prepared to travel for this Series. Sure, they did not win the tournament, they were not even in contention going into day two, but I feel they acquitted themselves well throughout the tourney.

They lost out to hosts Kisumu RFC in the Bowl final, holding the home boys to a scoreless first half before conceding three tries late in the game to go down 0-17.

Their handler, Alfred Achayo, said that his team will honor the remaining legs of the National Sevens Circuit. Let us see how they perform, they could be this year’s diamond in the rough.

Bungoma RFC were losing finalists in the Shield competition, going down 14-21 to JKUAT. They seemed destined for a whitewash as they trailed 0-14 at half time with it being very much one way traffic for the varsity side.

Dala brings out new talent

Friday Alube brought Bungoma agonizingly close to tying the match when he showed his JKUAT markers a clean pair of heels on touch down on two occasions. Looking forward to seeing more of Friday, who is far quicker then he looks.

This tournament also brought out the talents of several young players, namely Kenya Harlequin's Allan Omuka, MMUST's Fabian Olando, Mombasa's Darwin Mukidzi, Blak Blad's Kevin Nyeusi and Dala Sevens Most Valuable Player Davies Yanga of Nakuru; players who performed exceptionally well for their sides. These are players to watch out for in the future.

The usual suspects Impala RFC(semi-finalists), Kenya Harlequin FC (finalists), Mwamba RFC (quarter-finalists) and KCB(quarter finalists/plate winners) may not have won the title but they too showcased the depth in their squads. When you consider that their key players were absent from the Dala Sevens due to the Kenya National Team’s training, as preparations for Dubai Sevens intensify.

Getting to the knock out stages of the Main Cup was no mean feat. They all got the points that ensured they will stay in touch with current leaders Nakuru heading into the later rounds of the NSC.

Speaking to the side’s aficionados, I found they were all in agreement that they were satisfied with their teams'performances as they looked forward to the remaining legs of the circuit.

Host side Kisumu RFC spared no effort in ensuring that the 2009 Dala Sevens went on smoothly. I want to give the likes of Paul Okong'o, Terry Adembesa and company honorable mentions for pulling off a successful Dala Sevens.

See you all at the Christie Sevens this coming weekend!

Kenya National Sevens Circuit:

Kisumu Dala Sevens, Nov 14-15
Kenya Harlequin Christie Sevens, Nov 21-22
Prinsloo Sevens, Nov 28-29
George Mwangi Kabeberi Memorial Sevens, Dec 5-6
Driftwood Sevens, Dec 12-13