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Driftwood 7s: Defending champions Quins bow out as Kabras, KCB storm semis
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 27.07.25. | 12:55
The semifinal matchups now pit Kabras against KCB in a clash of giants, while Nakuru will battle Strathmore Leos for a spot in the Driftwood 7s final.
Defending champions Kenya Harlequin's bid to retain their Driftwood 7s title came to a heartbreaking end after they were narrowly edged 19-17 by Nakuru RFC in a thrilling quarterfinal clash played on Sunday, 27 July, at the Mombasa Sports Club.
That result saw Nakuru march on to the semifinals, where they will face Strathmore Leos. The other semifinal will see arch-rivals Kabras RFC and KCB Rugby square off in a highly anticipated showdown.
Quins fall to late Nakuru try
Nakuru came into the quarterfinal with intent, opening the scoring through Cyprian Ombasso after a flowing team move, with the conversion sailing through.
Quins had a chance to reply from a penalty but failed to capitalize, and it was not until the stroke of halftime that Dennis Nyongesa leveled matters with a converted try for a 7-7 scoreline.
Nyongesa was back on the scoreboard early in the second half, bulldozing past Javan Otieno for his second try. However, Nakuru's Chrissant Ojwang responded with a spectacular solo effort before Quins hit back again through Matthew Ouma to take a slender lead with the hooter already sounded.
But Nakuru had the final say. A flowing move from Felix Okoth to Ojwang found Joseph Njunye, who grounded the winning try. The conversion missed, but the damage was done as Nakuru clinched a 19-17 victory.
Strathmore survive Nondies in extra-time thriller
Strathmore Leos booked their semifinal ticket after edging Nondies 15-10 in extra time.
Nondies drew first blood through Fred Shisia, who darted over after poor defending from Leos, although the conversion went wide.
Daniel Okito extended Nondies’ lead, but Strathmore hit back with two unconverted tries by Stanislas Shikoli to level at 10-10 at halftime.
The second half was tense with no points scored, and a missed penalty from Brian Mwendwa sent the game to sudden death.
Captain Arnold Mwita stepped up in the extra period, scoring the decisive try from a ruck to seal the win for Leos.
Kabras dominate MMUST in Lurambi derby
Kabras Sugar RFC were in ruthless form as they dismantled Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby 31-0 in the Lurambi derby.
Victor Otieno opened the scoring off a William Mwanji assist, with Jackson Siketi converting. Otieno then turned provider for Mwanji's try before Kevin Wekesa came off the bench to add a third before the break.
In the second half, Hillary Salano pounced on a MMUST error to race clear for another try, and Eric Cantona added the finishing touch with Kabras’ fifth try of the match.
KCB outclass Oilers in one-sided affair
KCB Rugby were equally dominant, cruising to a 29-0 win over Menengai Oilers.
Jenkins Kipruto opened the scoring off a scrum before debutant George Ooro marked his first appearance with a brilliant try. Emmanuel Opondo and Festus Shiasi added to the tally, with Ooro sealing the win with his second try.
The semifinal matchups now pit Kabras against KCB in a clash of giants, while Nakuru will battle Strathmore Leos for a spot in the Driftwood 7s final.
Challenge Trophy
Blak Blad 7–24 Impala – 9:00
Stallions 19–7 Mombasa – 9:20
Catholic Monks 17–7 Mwamba – 9:40
Daystar 29–5 Kabarak – 10:00
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