The Kenya Harlequin rugby team made history yet again on September 8, 2024, as they clinched the prestigious Driftwood 7s title in a nail-biting final against KCB Rugby. Held at the Mombasa Sports Club under the sweltering coastal heat, the match was a spectacle of grit, determination, and thrilling rugby. The Harlequins overcame a challenging start to secure a 15-12 victory, their second title in the 2024 National 7s Circuit.
This victory adds another feather to their cap, making them the most decorated team in the history of the Driftwood 7s tournament. With this win, they are also one step closer to claiming the overall 2024 National 7s Circuit title.
First Half: KCB Takes the Early Lead
The final kicked off with an electric atmosphere, as fans packed the Mombasa Sports Club to witness the highly anticipated rematch between Kenya Harlequin and KCB. Just like their previous encounter in the Kakamega Ingo 7s final, the two teams faced off in what was expected to be a closely contested game.
KCB wasted no time asserting their dominance in the early moments of the match. Their well-coordinated passes and impeccable defense quickly broke through the Quins’ line, earning them the first try of the match. The early points put KCB in the driver’s seat, and their fans were already celebrating what they hoped would be a victorious afternoon.
However, the Quins were far from giving up. Despite trailing, they maintained composure and began to turn the tide. Their patience was rewarded when Charles Kinyanjui intercepted a crucial pass and dashed through the KCB defense to score Quins’ opening try. The conversion attempt, unfortunately, missed, leaving the scores tied at 5-5.
KCB Reasserts Control
Despite Quins leveling the score, KCB continued to display their resilience and technical prowess. They returned to the offensive, pushing Quins back into their half with a series of swift plays. The pressure paid off when KCB scored a second try, this time successfully converting to regain the lead at 12-5.
As the first half drew to a close, KCB looked confident, holding onto their advantage while keeping the Quins at bay. The halftime whistle blew with KCB firmly in control, but the Quins were far from finished.
Second Half: Quins Stage a Comeback
The second half began with a sense of urgency for the Quins. Knowing they were down but not out, they regrouped and returned to the pitch with renewed determination. Their efforts bore fruit when Amon Wamalwa burst through the KCB defense with a spectacular solo effort, bringing the scoreline to 12-10. The missed conversion kept the Quins trailing by two points, but the momentum had clearly shifted in their favor.
With time running out, the pressure intensified for both teams. The Quins, fueled by the possibility of a comeback, kept pushing forward, while KCB tried to maintain their slender lead. The final minutes of the game saw a tactical masterclass from the Quins as they forced KCB into committing an infringement, earning a critical penalty.
Rather than opting for an easy kick, the Quins chose to go for a scrum—a bold decision that would pay off in dramatic fashion. From the scrum, Lucky Dewald delivered a long pass to Patrick Wainaina, who sprinted past the KCB defense to score in the right corner, sealing the Quins’ 15-12 victory.
A Victory of Historic Proportions
This win not only marked Kenya Harlequin’s second title in the 2024 National 7s Circuit but also their first Driftwood 7s triumph since 2016. Their ability to come from behind, twice, against a well-drilled KCB side demonstrated their grit, tenacity, and tactical acumen.
The victory also reinforced Quins’ legacy as the most successful club in the history of the Driftwood 7s, further cementing their dominance in Kenyan rugby. Their passionate fans, many of whom had traveled to Mombasa to support their team, were left in ecstasy as the final whistle blew.
Blak Blad Stuns Kabras RFC in Third-Place Playoff
In the third-place playoff, Blak Blad pulled off a surprise 22-10 victory over the outgoing champions, Kabras RFC. The match was a testament to Blak Blad’s growing prowess in Kenyan rugby, as they secured their best finish of the season.
Derrick Ashihundu gave Blak Blad an early lead with a try on the right wing, leaving Kabras trailing 7-5 at halftime. Despite Kabras’ best efforts to mount a comeback, Blak Blad’s Alfred Orege extended their lead in the second half with a solo try. Ian Kitutu later crossed the line to make it 19-10, and a late penalty after the final whistle allowed Blak Blad to add three more points, sealing a memorable victory.
Kenya Harlequin Eyes the National 7s Circuit Title
With their victory at the Driftwood 7s, Kenya Harlequin now sets its sights on the ultimate prize—the 2024 National 7s Circuit title. Having already claimed two titles this season, they are well-positioned to emerge as the champions of the circuit. Their performance at the Driftwood 7s, coupled with their earlier triumph at the Kakamega Ingo 7s, highlights their strength, depth, and tactical brilliance.
As the 2024 National 7s Circuit draws to a close, rugby fans across Kenya will be eagerly watching to see if Quins can continue their impressive run and claim the overall title.
Conclusion
Kenya Harlequin’s thrilling 15-12 comeback victory over KCB in the Driftwood 7s final will go down as one of the most memorable moments in Kenyan rugby history. Their resilience, tactical prowess, and ability to perform under pressure were on full display as they overcame one of the toughest teams in the tournament.
As the Quins march towards the 2024 National 7s Circuit title, their fans are hopeful that more triumphs await. For now, though, the 2024 Driftwood 7s title belongs to them, and they have once again proven why they are a force to be reckoned with in Kenyan rugby.
