Driftwood 7s: Blad cruise to maiden semifinals as Quins, Kabras, KCB sail through
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 08.09.24. | 13:14
Kabras managed a sweet revenge after seeing off Strathmore Leos 7-5 in the closely contested match
Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, log leaders Kenya Harlequin, Kabras RFC and KCB are through to the semifinals of the Driftwood 7s ongoing at the Mombasa Sports Club. This is Blak Blad’s maiden semifinal appearance in the circuit.
They will face long-term rivals Kenya Harlequins while Kabras RFC are set for crunch action against KCB.
Kabras vs Strathmore Leos
Kabras managed a sweet revenge after seeing off Strathmore Leos 7-5 in the closely contested match.
The students had defeated the Sugarmen 22-17 in the pool match of the Kabeberi 7s before edging them 14-12 in the fifth-place finals to see the Kakamega-based club finish in a disappointing sixth place. They were thirsty for revenge.
Kabras RFC kept their title defense on track with a narrow 7-5 victory over Strathmore Leos in a tense quarterfinal clash.
Patrick Lumumba's powerful run put Kabras ahead 7-0 after a successful conversion.
Despite being reduced to 14 men due to a yellow card, Kabras maintained their lead until halftime. Strathmore Leos responded through Collins Maina, but a missed conversion left them trailing.
Kabras withstood a late Leos push, capitalizing on a forward pass to regain possession and secure the win.
Blak Blad vs Zetech Oaks
Blak Blad secured their semifinal spot with a hard-fought 12-5 victory over Daystar Falcons. The first half was a defensive battle, with both sides holding strong and leaving the score at 0-0 by halftime.
In the second half, Derrick Masese broke the deadlock with a try under the posts, followed by a corner flag try from captain Shuaib Wesonga.
Kenya Harlequin vs Zetech Oaks
Meanwhile, Kenya Harlequin fine form continued as they conceded only 19 points throughout the tournament, all against Kabras RFC.
They took a commanding 17-0 lead against Zetech Oaks with three first-half tries, converting one.
An additional 10 points in the second half secured their comfortable progression to the semifinals for the fifth consecutive time this season.
KCB Rugby vs Nondies
Meanwhile, KCB Rugby stormed into their fourth semifinal of the season with a commanding 29-0 win over Nondies.
Festus Shiasi opened the scoring in the left corner, and Austin Sikutwa added a second try before halftime, giving KCB a 10-0 lead.
Sikutwa's second-half brilliance saw him complete a hattrick, stretching the lead to 24-0, before Lionel Ajeliti sealed the victory with the final try, ensuring KCB's smooth progression to the semifinals.
Mwamba successfully avoided relegation with a crucial 22-14 victory over Catholic Monks.
Unfortunately for the Monks, along with TUM Marines, Mombasa, and Nakuru RFC, they face relegation.
However, Nakuru RFC will still participate as hosts in next weekend's Prinsloo 7s, while Catholic Monks, Mombasa, and TUM Marines are hopeful for an invitation to make a return.
Driftwood 7s quarters:
MMUST 17-7 TUM Marines
Catholic Monks 14-22 Mwamba RFC
Menengai Oilers 24-0 Mombasa
Nakuru RFC 7-21 Stallions
Cup quarters
KCB Rugby 29-0 Nondies
Strathmore Leos 5-7 Kabras RFC
Daystar Falcons 0-12 Blak Blad
Kenya Harlequin 27-0 Zetech Oaks
