KCB edge Leos to lift 2025 Driftwood 7s title

The Bankers held off a spirited Leos comeback to claim redemption following their loss to Kenya Harlequins in the 2024 edition.

Elvis Olukusi opened the scoring after slicing through a resolute Strathmore defensive line, setting the tone for a fierce encounter. Minutes later, crowd-favorite Floyd Wabwire dazzled down the wing, burning past Gabriel Ayimba and side-stepping Brian Mwendwa to score the second try in spectacular fashion.

KCB’s third try, though less flashy, proved crucial, earning Elvis Olukusi quiet hero status throughout the tournament. At halftime, the Bankers led 15-0 and looked in control.

Strathmore mounted a second-half resurgence. Barnabas Owuor touched down for the Leos, with Brian Mwendwa adding the extras to reduce the deficit to 15-7.

With two minutes to play, Wabwire was sin-binned for a high tackle, and Leos took full advantage, earning a penalty try that brought them within a point.

But the Bankers held firm under pressure to seal a dramatic 15-14 victory and lift the coveted Driftwood trophy.

In the third-place playoff, Kabras RFC defeated Nakuru RFC 21-10, improving on their 2024 finish where they placed fourth. Kabras had earlier knocked out MMUST with a dominant 31-0 win, while KCB saw off Menengai Oilers 29-0 in their semi-final.

Strathmore reached the final after hammering Nakuru 28-0 in the other semi, but ultimately fell just short of glory.

Meanwhile, Zetech Oaks clinched the Division II title with a 10-0 victory over NYS Spades.

Floyd Wabwire, whose electrifying performances lit up the weekend, was named Player of the Final and finished as the tournament’s top try scorer with eight tries.

As the dust settles in Mombasa, attention now shifts to the second circuit , the Prinsloo 7s ,set for Nakuru from August 2-3 at the Nakuru Athletics Club.