NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT

Driftwood 7s: MMUST, Kenya Harlequin, KCB Rugby reach quarters; Nakuru bounce back

By Amanga collins

Posted on July 26, 2025

Action pitting MMUST Rugby and Kenya Harlequin . PHOTO/Brian Mwenje

Kenya Harlequin, KCB Rugby, MMUST, and Kabras RFC are among seven teams assured of a place in the Driftwood 7s quarterfinals set for Sunday after bagging back-to-back wins at Mombasa Sports Club in the second round of the National 7s Circuit.

They will be joined by Nondies, Strathmore Leos, and Menengai Oilers. Three teams in Pool B will have to wait until the final round of matches to know their fate.

Quins and MMUST advance

Kenya Harlequin and MMUST booked their places in the last eight with a match to spare after winning their second consecutive games.

Defending champions Quins claimed a 17-0 win over Mwamba RFC, ending Kulabu’s quarterfinal hopes. One try in the first half and two more in the second secured six points for the National 7s champions.

MMUST also moved to six points with a hard-fought 14-7 victory in a varsity derby against Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad

Nakuru stay Alive

Nakuru RFC bounced back to winning ways, defeating Catholic Monks to keep their quarterfinal dreams alive. Captain Chrissant Ojwang opened the scoring with a solo run, followed by Victor Matiko’s try. Cyprian Ombaso made up for an earlier error by crossing over to extend the lead. Wanyore added the final try to seal a 24-0 win.

Kabras Edge Impala

Kabras RFC made it two wins out of two, edging Impala RFC 21-7 to secure a spot in the quarters.

Impala struck first when Quinto Ongo capitalized on Eric Cantona’s slip to score a centre-post try from a scrum deep in Kabras’ half, taking a 7-0 lead into the break.

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Kabras hit back after the restart, overpowering Impala’s defence. William Mwanji crossed over for a converted try to level the scores. Even after Patrick Kluivert’s yellow card, Kabras continued to press. Mwanji spotted space at the back of the ruck and raced clear for another centre-post try, which Cantona converted. Mutua then sealed the 21-7 victory with another converted try, taking Kabras to six points and the top of their pool.

KCB dominate Mombasa

KCB Rugby thrashed hosts Mombasa SC 43-0 in Pool C to qualify for the quarters.

Floyd Wabwire opened the scoring with a powerful run on the left wing, adding another try soon after for a 14-0 lead. Mombasa nearly responded but conceded a turnover.

KCB extended the lead to 19-0 at halftime through Jenkis Kipruto, who chipped and recollected the ball for a brilliant try.

The second half saw Emmanuel Opondo, Bob Muhati, and debutant Dominic Sande all crossing the whitewash, taking the score to 36-0.

Elvis Olukusi then powered over for the final try, sealing a comprehensive 43-0 win and six points.

Nondies qualified for the quarters after a gritty 10-7 comeback win over Daystar Falcons. They scored two unconverted tries, including a decisive last-minute effort.

Strathmore Leos Cruise

Strathmore Leos cruised into the quarterfinals with a 26-0 win over Stallions Rugby.

Arnold Muita opened the scoring in the corner, before Gabriel Ayimba added a second just before halftime.

Kenyan international Nyel Amaitsa sliced through for a third try, giving the Leos a 19-0 halftime lead. Stanslaus Shikoli added the final try to take the students to six points ahead of their pool decider.

Oilers win Nakuru Derby

Menengai Oilers had to dig deep to edge rivals Kabarak University 19-14 in a tense Nakuru Derby and seal a place in the quarters.

Kabarak struck first with a chip-and-chase try after four minutes. Oilers leveled the scores at 7-7 before halftime but trailed 12-7 at the break after a late Kabarak try.

Oilers returned for the second half with renewed energy, scoring a crucial try that proved to be the match-winner.