Sunday 29 November 2009

By Maik Kwambo

Strathmore Leos rallied from 0-14 to claim the third edition of the Prinsloo Sevens courtesy of a 21-14 win over Kenya Harlequins in a tense final played at the Nakuru Athletic Club.

The match started on a rather slow note, both sides stalking each other before Quins' Allan Makaka picked up a loose Strathmore ball, gaining close to 60 yards before offloading to the enterprising Eden Adero who grounded the ball for a 5-0 Quins lead. Naftali Bondo converted to take the scores to 7-0.

This try saw a period of Quins' dominance that was rewarded with a try from Allan Omuka. Bondo converted for a 14-0 lead midway through the first half.

Strathmore were stung into retaliation and were rewarded for their efforts when Joe Ebala grounded the ball with half time not too far off. Kenny Andola converted to narrow the scores to 14-7 in Quins favour. Quins' Makaka would be shown the yellow card and a two minute sin bin visit with half time looming.

The Leos would start the second half on a negative note, losing the influential Maurice Mbai through injury. Quins continued to assert themselves but decision making would be their main undoing.

Felix Ayange would soon pick up a loose ball, running 30 yards to score under the posts for Strathmore. Andola's conversion levelled the scores at 14-14 and with precious minutes ticking, the Nakuru crowd had a game on their hands.

Both sides continued prodding each other before the Leos' Davis Nyarigi would score the decisive third try that Andola converted for a 21-14, a lead that the students would hold on to up to the final whistle.

Speaking after the game, Strathmore Coach Mitch Ocholla poured glowing tribute to boys for showing character in rallying form a two try deficit to claim the Prinsloo title, the third leg of the Western Union National Sevens Circuit.

Despite the loss, Quins now go to of the the 2009 Western Union National Sevens Circuit. Their cause was helped when Strathmore stopped Nakuru 36-0 in the semi final. Quins made to the final courtesy of a 24-5 win over KCB.