KCB KOBs emerged victorious at the 2024 Mbarara 7s men’s Cup Final, marking their triumphant return to the rugby sevens circuit.
This was after the team, making their first appearance of the season, defeated Buffaloes 15-05 at the Ntare School rugby pitch in Kakyeka, Mbarara City.
The match saw KOBs dominate early, with Derrick Tukwasiibwe scoring two tries in the first half.
Buffaloes’ Ivan Odhiambo managed to narrow the gap, but KOBs’ Pius Ogena sealed the victory in the second half, much to the delight of the crowd.
This win continues KOBs’ impressive streak in Western region tournaments, marking their third consecutive victory in the area.
The team has consistently reached the podium in recent series, and the Mbarara 7s allowed them to maintain this remarkable record.
Meanwhile, the Mbarara 7s saw some surprises in the rankings, with Black Pirates claiming bronze in the men’s competition, while series leaders Heathens had to settle for fifth place.
Pirates secured a comfortable 22-05 victory over Jinja Hippos in the third-place playoff, while Heathens, after an underwhelming prior display, edged Mongers 12-05 in the fifth-place playoff to finish 5th.
In the women’s circuit, Avengers continued their dominance by overcoming Black Pearls 20-07 in the Cup Final.
Tries from Sarah Kirabo, Christine Akello, Florence Babirye and Juliet Nandawula secured the win for Avengers, while Emilly Lekuru scored Black Pearls’ lone try.
This victory, the Avengers’ fourth Cup Final triumph, has all but guaranteed their first-ever national 7s series title.
In the Women’s battle for third place, Thunderbirds avenged an earlier pool phase loss to claim bronze over She-Wolves.
Despite the exciting on-field action, the Mbarara 7s faced challenges off the pitch. Attendance was lower than expected, and a torrential hailstorm disrupted proceedings on Saturday.
The 2024 Nile Special 7s Series will conclude next weekend with the Henry Rujumba Memorial 7s at Kings Park in Bweyogerere, where final standings will be determined and champions crowned.
