KCB edge out Strathmore to claim 2025 Driftwood 7s title
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 27, 2025KCB Rugby are the 2025 Driftwood 7s champions after surviving a late scare to edge out Strathmore Leos 15-14 in a thrilling final at the Mombasa Sports Club on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
The Bankers, led by coach Dennis Mwanja and buoyed by recent addition George Ooro, put on a commanding first-half performance that ultimately proved just enough to hold off the spirited students.
Elvis Olukusi opened the scoring for KCB with a powerful carry over the line, giving them an early 5-0 lead. Moments later, Floyd Wabwire once again demonstrated his blistering speed, just as he had in the semi-final against Kabras, outrunning defenders to double the score, although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
As halftime approached, Olukusi struck again, diving over on the left wing for his second try of the match. The Bankers went into the break comfortably ahead at 15-0, seemingly cruising towards their fourth Driftwood 7s crown after previous wins in 2012, 2013, and 2019.
Leos rally falls short
However, Strathmore Leos had other ideas. The students came out firing in the second half, showing the same attacking verve that saw them dispatch Nakuru RFC 28-0 in the semis. Barnabas Owuor crossed over to bring Leos back into the game at 15-7. A yellow card to KCB gave the students numerical advantage, and they capitalized with a penalty try that brought them within a single point.
With the momentum firmly on their side and just minutes remaining, Strathmore pushed for a winner. But KCB showed experience and composure, winning the restart and tactically kicking the ball into touch to end the game and secure the championship.
It was a dramatic ending to a tournament that has seen KCB remain unbeaten, starting with a 29-0 demolition of Menengai Oilers and a 10-5 semi-final win over arch-rivals Kabras.
Strathmore Leos, chasing their first Driftwood title since 2009, were left heartbroken despite a valiant fightback. They had earlier eliminated Nondies 15-10 in the quarters and Nakuru in the semis.
Meanwhile, Kabras RFC claimed third place after a 21-10 victory over Nakuru RFC. Roy Maruti scored twice for the Sugarmen, while Brian Mutua added another try to cap off a solid campaign.