Nairobi — It was a scintillating exchange of leads as Nivea Kenya Harlequins snapped the scalp of Nakuru RFC, claiming a swift 31-17 victory to lift the Christie Sevens trophy.

Precisely, the quest for the Western Union National Sevens Circuit started to curve around Nakuru and Quins with the Great Rift side that is fondly known as Wanyore enjoying a slim lead one point lead at the with 50 points.

It was the second time the teams were facing off in the titanic final in just after a week when Nakuru crushed Quins 22-0 to win Dala Sevens in Kisumu. Nakuru collected 30 points in Dala Sevens while Quins got 25.

Quins' swift revenge that elicited some party mood at their back yard on Sunday earned them 24 points while Nakuru got 20.

Nakuru had in the semi-finals bundled out defending champions, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) 22-10 while Quins stopped stubborn Strathmore 12-0. In the main cup quarterfinals, Nakuru beat Masinde Muliro University 28-18, KCB mauled Mean Machine 24-0, Strathmore stunned Impala 17-5 while Quins stopped Kisumu 24-5.

Basics and passes

"It is just hard work and being neat on basics and passes to hand that gave us the victory," said Quins coach, Felix "Toti" Ochieng. The boys were well in their contact and passes, and the experience of the likes of Victor Sudi, Naftali Bondo and Allan Makaka also played a great role."

Nakuru's coach Simpson Osiemo was graceful in defeat. " Despite some defensive lapses and the absences of inspirational Simon Wariuki that was felt, the boys played well," said Osiemo.

"The fact that we reached the final proved that we can play consistently hence that is what would win the series."

Quins blasted off the block first when Dennis Muhanji stole the ball after a swift intercept for the try line. Derrick Gitau converted. The star of the tournament, Oscar Owuor, who brought his rivals to their knees with his tantalising bursts and speed, made a 40-metre sprint for a try that went unconverted for Nakuru.

But Nakuru e were to take the lead 12-7 after Owuor staged another dash, and despite being brought down, he offload the ball to Calvin Otieno.

Otieno was also waylaid few inches from the line but still stretch to pin down the try.

Experienced Bondo brought Quins on level terms at 12-12 with a try but the stalemate lasted for few seconds as Nakuru grabbed the lead again with a good exchange that saw David Yanga stretch his hand to score the try after being tackled down. Wanyore led 17-12 at the break.

Nakuru, who failed to cash on their numerical advantage after Bondo was sin-binned. Quins rested Willie Ambaka for Collins Omae and it paid dividends.

Makaka's converted try gave Quins 19-17 lead before Omae stole the ball from a fumbling Nakuru defence for the try line. Then Allan Omuka hammered Quins' triumphant try that was converted by David Gitau.

Impala lifted Plate when they scored seven tries for comprehensive 47-0 thrashing of Kisumu RFC. Joshua Gathumbi scored four tries while Vincent Mose and Kevin Ombuge managed two tries apiece. Kevin Gisore scored one while Gathumbi converted.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology humbled Mombasa Polytechnic 17-5 to win Bowl while United States International University (USIU) edged out Nondescripts to claim Shield.

Results:

Main Cup : Quins 31, Nakuru 17 (Final). Quins 12, Strathmore 0; Nakuru 22, KCB 10 (semi-final). Nakuru 28, Masinde Muliro 18; KCb 24, Machine 0; Impala 5, Strathmore 17; Quins 24, Kisumu 5. Plate: Impala 47, Kisumu 0 (Final). Masinde Muliro 24, Machine 5; Impala 17, Kisumu 12 (semi-finals). Bowl: JKUAT 17, Mombasa Poly 5 (final). Mombasa Poly 29, Flames 5; Blak Blad 5, JKUAT 15 (semi-final). Mombasa Poly 7, USIU 5; Flames 12, Daystar 0; Nondies 5, Blak Blad 12; JKUAT 26, Catholic 0 (quarters).