KCB stun rivals Kabras to win Embu 7s and move six points clear in SportPesa 7s standings

KCB Rugby edged perennial rivals Kabras Sugar RFC 12-10 to lift the 2026 Embu 7s title and strengthen their grip on the SportPesa 7s series ahead of next weekend’s final leg in Nairobi.

The Bankers, who will be without some of their key players at the Christie 7s, needed the victory on Sunday, September 6, at the Moi Stadium in Embu. The result saw KCB stretch their lead at the top to six points, taking their tally to 98 against Kabras’ 92.

The two sides arrived in Embu level on two titles apiece. KCB had bagged the Prinsloo 7s and Kabeberi 7s, while Kabras had claimed the Dala 7s and Driftwood 7s, which they won a fortnight ago.

But KCB have now moved ahead with three titles, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown when the circuit heads to Nairobi for the final leg on September 12 and 13.

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KCB got off to a flying start when Vincent Onyala produced a smart piece of play to break through the Kabras defence and touch down for the opening try. Austin Sikutwa added the conversion to give KCB an early 7-0 advantage.

Kabras responded through Mike Lukusi, who reacted quickly to put the ball down for their first try of the final. Rayvon Ambale was unable to add the conversion, leaving KCB with a narrow 7-5 lead at the break.

The second half saw KCB raise the tempo as they looked to extend their advantage. Samuel Asati produced a well-timed offload to Emmanuel Opondo, who finished the move by crossing the try line to put KCB 12-5 ahead.

Kabras refused to surrender and were rewarded for their pressure when Griffin Chao went over for their second try, bringing the scores to 12-10. Ambale’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving KCB with a slender two-point cushion.

The closing stages belonged to Kabras as they mounted a late attacking surge in search of the winning score. Kevin Wekesa was making dangerous inroads and looked set to break through, but Emmanuel Opondo produced a crucial last-ditch tackle to halt the move.

KCB then held firm under pressure to see out the remaining moments and secure a hard-fought 12-10 victory.

KCB Rugby 12-10 Kabras Rugby

KCB Rugby: Vincent Onyala try, Austin Sikutwa conversion; Emmanuel Opondo try.
Kabras Rugby: Mike Lukusi try, Griffin Chao try.