Driftwood 7s: Kabras rally to win maiden title in sudden death epic

Kabras Sugar RFC rose to the occasion when it mattered most as they clinched the 2023 Driftwood 7s after a nail biting 10-7 win over rivals Menengai Oilers in the main cup final played on Sunday evening at the Mombasa Sports Club.

Having been beaten at the same stage by KCB in the season opening Dala 7s last weekend, Kabras atoned for that loss and showcased their mentality as they came from behind to win their maiden title in the 2023 7s Circuit in the game that had to decided in sudden death extra time following a 7-7 draw in regulation time.

Oilers were the first to land the first punch in the contest when Dennis Abukuse raced to the try line after bulldozing past two of his markers before touching down under the posts, giving his side a 0-7 lead following his successful conversion.

Kabras however hit right back as Kevin Wekesa, in a carbon copy of Abukuse's try, fended off challenge from his marker before pulling clear and touching down underneath the posts, Barry Robinson converting to restore parity at 7-7.

Oilers should have pushed to win the game just before the full time hooter sounded but selfish play from Abukuse, who chose to hit a grabber instead of offloading the ball to an unmarked Beldad Ogeta in an overlap situation, ended up pushing the game to sudden death extra time after Oilers also failed to execute two scrums just 5m out.

Both sides resolutely defended their area and the breakthrough moment came when Oilers infringed inside their 22m line, Kabras electing to go for a drop kick which Jone Kubu successfully converted to hand his side the main cup title, one hundred thousand shillings for winning the tournament and the bragging rights in the Rai Derby.

Driftwood 7s: Menengai Oilers stun top seeds KCB as Kabras shoot down Leos in epic semifinal clashes

Elsewhere, KCB finished in third place after beating Strathmore Leos 29-12 in the 3/4th place playoff.

In the individual awards, Oilers' Abukuse was crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after outstanding performances all through both days in the tournament.

KCB's Brian Wahinya was the top points scorer and Griffin Chao from Kabras Sugar was the top try scorer.

13th place final

Catholic Monks v Blak Blad 12-17

Challenge final

Nakuru v Homeboyz 19-21

5th place final

Mwamba v Kenya Harlequin12-7

3rd place playoff

KCB v Strathmore Leos 29-12

Div 2 Final

Zetech Oaks v UoE Trojans 17-5

Cup Final

Menengai Oilers 7-10 Kabras Sugar