The 2025 National 7s Circuit kicked off in dramatic fashion as KCB Rugby edged Strathmore Leos 15-14 to claim the Driftwood 7s crown in a pulsating final at the Mombasa Sports Club.
The Bankers showed resilience and composure to hold off a spirited fightback from the Leos, securing their first title of the season and taking an early lead in the overall standings.
The much-anticipated final lived up to its billing, drawing passionate fans and delivering end-to-end action. Strathmore Leos, who took to the pitch in “Hope Mode On” merchandise in solidarity with their team manager Harold “Roldie” Tende, battling nasopharyngeal cancer, looked determined to start their campaign with silverware.
KCB, however, struck first. The Leos were guilty of early handling errors, and from a scrum deep in their territory, Elvis Olukusi used his height and pace to dive over for the opening try. Although the conversion attempt went wide, the Bankers took a 5-0 lead.
Strathmore continued to struggle with errors, and KCB took full advantage. Floyd Wabwire sliced through the defence for their second try, but again, the conversion was missed by Festus Shiasi. The Bankers dominated possession and territory, and Olukusi returned to the scoresheet with his second try of the game just before halftime, giving KCB a commanding 15-0 lead at the break.
The Leos came out of the tunnel breathing fire, determined to mount a comeback. Their persistence paid off when Barnabas Owuor scored a well-worked try, which was successfully converted to reduce the deficit to 15-7.
Momentum shifted further when Wabwire was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Samuel Wafula. With a one-man advantage, Strathmore applied relentless pressure deep in KCB’s half. They looked certain to score again when Mwendwa broke through, but a crucial knock-on ended the promising move.
Strathmore, however, refused to give up. Their persistence was rewarded with a penalty try, which was converted to bring the scores to 15-14. The final minutes were tense, with Strathmore pushing for a dramatic winner, but referee Duncan Kioko’s whistle confirmed KCB’s victory by the narrowest of margins.
The result gave the Bankers not just the first title of the circuit but also valuable momentum heading into next weekend’s Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru.
KCB RFC Crowned 2025 Driftwood 7s Champions https://t.co/n0S00E6kon pic.twitter.com/PGhPSZ6j0Z
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) July 28, 2025
Bronze Medal Playoff: Kabras Outclass Nakuru
Earlier in the day, Kabras RFC secured a deserved third-place finish after a 21-10 win over Nakuru RFC. Nakuru had taken the lead with an early try following a defensive lapse by Lameck Ambetsa but missed the conversion.
Kabras responded in style through Roy Maruti, who scored and converted to put them ahead. Brian Mutua added another try before Maruti slotted his second conversion to give Kabras a 14-5 halftime lead.
Kabras finish 3rd at the Driftwood 7s 2025. An upgrade from their 4th place finish in 2024.
FT Scores in the 3rd place playoff.
Kabras 21-10 NakuruWatch Day 2 of #Driftwood7s here:https://t.co/W83mdT9kQd #RugbyKE | #SportPesa7s | #Driftwood7s pic.twitter.com/AA0QUB5GwT
— Fanaka Studios (@FanakaStudios) July 27, 2025
The second half was stop-start due to multiple injuries, with Cyprian Ombasso and Jackson Siketi both leaving the field. However, Maruti added another try to his tally before Nakuru scored two late unconverted tries, but it wasn’t enough to stop Kabras from clinching bronze.
Other Highlights of Driftwood 7s
Menengai Oilers claimed the Challenge Trophy, edging Kenya Harlequin 14-10 in a hard-fought encounter.
In Division 2, Zetech Oaks defeated NYS Spades 10-0 to secure promotion to Division 1 ahead of the Prinsloo 7s.
The 13th-place final saw Blak Blad beat Kabarak 12-5, while Catholic Monks crushed Kabete Stallions 25-0 to lift the Challenge final.
With the first leg now complete, all eyes turn to Nakuru for the Prinsloo 7s, where teams will be looking to build momentum in the battle for the 2025 National 7s Circuit crown. The early statement from KCB, however, shows that the Bankers are hungry to dominate yet another season of sevens rugby.
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