Defending champions KCB Rugby suffered a stunning quarterfinal exit at the 2026 Dala 7s after falling 14-12 to Kenya Harlequins on Sunday morning, guaranteeing that a new champion will be crowned in Kisumu.The defeat ended KCB’s impressive run of reaching the Main Cup final in eight consecutive National Sevens Circuit tournaments, a streak that stretched across the final six legs of last season and the opening two events of the current campaign.##NAJAVA_MECA_2703##Fresh from lifting the Prinsloo 7s title last weekend, the Bankers had arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium as favourites to retain their Dala 7s crown.However, Kenya Harlequins produced a disciplined display, combining clinical finishing with resolute defence to eliminate the defending champions in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.STARS ABROAD: Wanjala, Obiero and Harper feature in pre-season friendliesHarlequins made the brighter start after earning an attacking scrum five metres from the KCB try line. Scrum-half Patrick Wainaina spotted space in the defensive line, sold Samuel Asati a clever dummy and sliced through untouched for the opening try before adding the conversion for a 7-0 lead.The Nairobi-based side thought they had doubled their advantage moments later, but Wainaina’s second effort was ruled out for offside, handing KCB a timely reprieve.Harambee Stars defender suffers injury blow in EnglandThe Bankers gradually settled into the contest and responded through some trademark attacking phases. Shiasi broke through the middle before delivering a perfectly timed offload to Brian Wahinya, who crossed for the equalising try before converting to level the scores at 7-7.KCB finished the opening half on the front foot and edged ahead just before the break. Asati pierced the Quins defence before releasing George Ooro with a well-weighted offload, allowing the speedster to race over. Wahinya was unable to add the extras, leaving KCB with a 12-7 halftime lead.With their title defence slipping away, Harlequins returned from the interval with renewed urgency, dominating possession and territory before Wainaina once again produced the decisive moment.CAF ban rules new Gor Mahia signing out of opening Champions League tiesReceiving the ball in space, the scrum-half sold another dummy to beat Asati before breaking clear and releasing Brian Wahinya, who finished off the move. The successful conversion restored Harlequins' lead at 14-12.KCB mounted relentless pressure in the closing minutes, camping inside the Quins half in search of a winning score, but Harlequins held firm defensively to seal a famous victory and spark jubilant celebrations at the final whistle.The result brings KCB’s title defence to an abrupt end and ensures that a new Dala 7s champion will be crowned.Harlequins will now face Kabras RFC in the Cup semifinals after the Sugar Millers eased past Daystar Falcons 29-5 in another quarterfinal.New signings off the mark as Kakamega Homeboyz continue impressive preseason preparationsKabras will be chasing their first title of the 2026 season after finishing runners-up to KCB at last weekend’s Prinsloo 7s, while also seeking to reclaim the Dala 7s crown.In the other semifinal, Mwamba RFC booked a historic place in the last four after staging a dramatic comeback to edge Strathmore Leos 15-14.Mwamba will face Menengai Oilers, who cruised to a commanding 33-7 victory over Zetech Oaks to complete the semifinal lineup.BETTING GUIDE: Djurgårdens IF vs Västerås SK, Match Preview, Team News and Prediction
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