Strathmore Leos held off a spirited KCB comeback to claim a 31-21 victory and lift the Embu 7s title in a tense Sunday showdown at the ASK Njukiri Showground.
The clash reignited their rivalry just weeks after the Prinsloo 7s final, where Strathmore had also stunned the bankers.
KCB came into the tie chasing a third title this season, having won the Driftwood and Christie 7s. Strathmore, who had previously enjoyed a three-peat in Embu before the tournament joined the National 7s Circuit, were chasing their second crown this year after winning in Nakuru.
Strathmore Leos Bright Start
The Leos made a blistering start, with Nygel Amaitsa crossing early though the conversion sailed wide. Victor Mola Odhiambo soon added a second, converted by Arnold Muita, for a 12-0 lead.
Stanislaus Shikoli then dotted down for 17-0 before Barnabas Owuor’s try, converted by Muita, stretched it further to 24-0.
KCB finally responded on the stroke of halftime, Floyd Wabwire grounding their first try with Brian Wahinya converting for a 24-7 halftime score.
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The bankers roared back in the second half. After Gabriel Ayimba was sent to the bin for a deliberate tap, Wabwire capitalised, scoring his second try, converted by Wahinya, to narrow it to 24-14. Wabwire then completed his hat-trick, Wahinya adding the extras to cut the deficit to just three points at 24-21.
But the Leos weren’t done Samuel Wafula struck late, and with Muita converting, Strathmore sealed the 31-21 win and the Embu 7s crown.
Elsewhere, Impala RFC claimed the 13th place final with a 19-5 victory over Nondies.
Quins took the 5th place final after beating Kabras 15-5.
In the Challenge Trophy final, Catholic Monks edged Mean Machine 15-5 to lift the silverware.
Menengai Oilers sealed third place, overpowering MMUST 31-0 in the playoff.
Embu 7s Day Two Results
Challenge Trophy Quarterfinals
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Mwamba RFC 19-17 Stallions Rugby — 8:40
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Catholic Monks 15-5 Nondescripts — 9:00
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Impala RFC 24-29 Embu RFC — 9:20
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Zetech Oaks 7-12 Mean Machine — 9:40
Cup Quarterfinals
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KCB Rugby 21-5 Kabras Sugar — 10:00
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MMUST 21-19 Nakuru RFC — 10:20
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Strathmore Leos 29-5 Daystar Falcons — 10:40
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Kenya Harlequin FC 14-19 Menengai Oilers — 11:00
13th Place Semifinals
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Stallions 7-14 Nondescripts — 12:00
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Impala RFC 28-12 Zetech Oaks — 12:20
Challenge Trophy Semifinals
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Mwamba 7-10 Catholic Monks — 12:40
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Embu RFC 5-10 Mean Machine — 13:00
5th Place Semifinals
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Kabras Sugar 24-5 Nakuru RFC — 13:20
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Daystar Falcons 22-5 Quins — 13:40
Cup Semifinals
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KCB Rugby 31-07 MMUST — 14:00
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Strathmore Leos 24-7 Oilers — 14:20
Finals Bracket
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13th Place Final: Nondies 5-19 Impala RFC — 14:40
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Challenge Trophy Final: Catholic Monks 15-5 Mean Machine — 15:00
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5th Place Final: Kabras Sugar 5-10 Quins — 15:20
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Cup 3rd Place Playoff: MMUST 0-31 Oilers — 15:40
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Cup Final: KCB 21-31 Leos — 16:40
