Menengai Oilers were crowned champions of the 2026 Christie 7s after overcoming Strathmore Leos 24-12 in a thrilling final at the RFUEA Grounds on Sunday, 13 September.The victory marked a maiden Christie 7s title for Oilers and capped a remarkable rise in form during the 2026 National Sevens Circuit.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsOilers’ growing confidence had been evident since the Dala 7s, where they reached the final before losing to Kabras RFC. After stunning Kabras 20-10 in the Christie 7s semifinals, Oilers entered the final with belief that the title was within reach.##NAJAVA_MECA_9953012##Strathmore, however, made the brighter start.Less than two minutes into the final, Collins Maina crossed the line to give the Leos an early 5-0 advantage and put Oilers under immediate pressure.The response from Oilers was swift.Veron Kaburu powered over for their opening try, although the conversion attempt went wide to leave the scores level at 5-5.Ashiundu reveals how Kabras teammates supported him after painful loss of family memberOilers then turned the momentum in their favour, with Glacious Owino going over for their second try. Owino added the conversion himself as Oilers took a 12-5 lead into the break.The second half belonged to Oilers as they came out with renewed intensity and began to impose themselves on the contest.Philip Okeyo created the opening for Paul Mutsami, who crossed for Oilers’ third try.Kenya sole East African representative in Africa Men’s 7s SeriesThe conversion was successful, extending their advantage to 19-5.Owino then completed his impressive afternoon with his second try of the final as Oilers moved further ahead and effectively put the result beyond Strathmore’s reach.The Leos refused to give up, with Amon Wamalwa scoring a late try, but it was not enough to inspire a comeback as Oilers held on for a historic 24-12 victory.The triumph represents another significant step forward for an Oilers side that has steadily grown in confidence throughout the sevens campaign. Three LA28 Olympics qualification pathways available for Shujaa and LionessesHaving reached the Dala 7s final earlier in the season, their performance at the Christie 7s showed they are now capable of going all the way.KCB Rugby claimed third place after edging arch-rivals Kabras RFC 5-0 in a fiercely contested third-place playoff.Neither side was able to create much separation during regulation time, forcing the match into sudden death. KCB eventually found the decisive score to secure the bronze medal and finish ahead of their long-time rivals.National 7s Circuit's role in propelling high-school stars to East African titleThe result also brought a surprise conclusion to a Christie 7s weekend in which neither KCB nor Kabras featured in the final.Daystar Falcons also impressed at the Christie 7s, overcoming invitational side Club Afrique 24-19 to clinch fifth place.KCB saw off Kabras RFC 5-0 to win the third place final in the match that was decided at extra time.
62