Ronny Omondi and Patrick Odongo bagged a brace as 'Rugby On The Road' team defeated Arsonists Wazalendo to claim the Chebarbar Sevens rugby tournament on Saturday at Eldoret Sports Club.
The Nairobi-based side beat Arsonists, comprising former Moi University players, 34-10 to pocket a Sh140,000 cash prize
Rugby on the Road, who are mainly made up of players from various clubs in the country, maintained their unbeaten run in the one-day event that attracted 12 teams including Uganda's Entebbe Jaguars.
Branson Madigu, a Strathmore Leo's player, touched down first for the champions with Ronny Omondi adding the extras before going over the whitewash for a 12-0 lead. Patrick Odongo scored the third try for a 17-0 lead at half-time.
On resumption, Gabriel Ayimba sprinted past the defence to touch down the fourth try, which was converted by Odongo for a 24-0 lead. Odongo and Omondi scored a try each to seal the match 34-10.
With the rugby season on a break, event organizer Ali Mbaraka said the tournament’s theme was to bring people together during this national electioneering period.
“Our target is to have peaceful elections come next month. We must use sports to promote coexistence in the country,” said Mbaraka.
Besides the political angle, the tournament is meant to promote the sports in a region, which has not had good rugby for long.
“We have very good talent in this region but we lack avenues to promote it to a higher level. Such tournaments are very critical for the players as we use them to prepare for the next season,” he added.
In the semifinals, the champions defeated The University of Eldoret Trojans while Wazalendo beat Moi University side, Arsonists.
