Menengai Oilers narrowly defeated Strathmore Leos 24-19 on Sunday afternoon to secure a place in the 2025 Christie 7s final, denying Leos a third consecutive appearance in the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit finale.
This marks Oilers’ first final appearance of the season, where they will face KCB in the climax of the third leg of the series, hosted at the RFUEA Grounds. KCB booked their spot after a hard-fought 21-19 victory over hosts Kenya Harlequins.
Meanwhile, Quins and Leos will clash in the third-place playoff, both sides eager to finish on a high and gather vital points to enhance their overall standings.
Christie 7s semifinal recap
KCB showed intent from the outset, opening the scoring just two minutes into the match. Samuel Asati crossed the whitewash after receiving a slick offload from Vincent Onyala, giving the Bankers a 7-0 advantage following a successful conversion.
Kenya Harlequins responded with determination, cutting the deficit with a try from Leon Nyang to make it 7-5, keeping the game tightly contested.
Dennis Mwanja’s charges hit back swiftly. Speedster Floyd Wabwire stormed down the left flank, capitalizing on a well-timed pass from Asati, extending KCB’s lead to 14-5 after another precise conversion.
In the second half, KCB maintained their momentum. George Ooro touched down for his third try of the day, and Brian Wahinya added the extras to put the score at 21-5.
Despite a spirited late surge from Quins, featuring tries from Remke Jann and Mathew, they fell just short as time expired, losing 21-19. The result ended their hopes of a maiden final appearance in the 2025 SportPesa 7s circuit.
KCB, having now reached their third consecutive final, will be eyeing their second title of the season, having already claimed victory at the Driftwood 7s.
Quins, on the other hand, will battle for bronze, seeking valuable points and a strong finish to the tournament.
Menengai Oilers vs Strathmore Leos
The clash between Menengai Oilers and Strathmore Leos was a fiercely contested encounter. Oilers signaled their intent early, with Beldad Ogeta crossing the line to give his side a 7-0 lead after a smooth conversion.
Leos quickly retaliated. Barnabas Owuor touched down, and shortly after, Victor Mola sprinted down the right wing to give Leos a 12-7 edge following a flawless conversion.
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Just before halftime, Samuel Mwaura leveled the score at 12-12 with a sharp run through the Leos’ defense after a scrum.
In the second half, Willis Ojwang’s charges regained the lead through Daniel Ayimba, pushing the score to 19-12. But the resilient Oilers weren’t done. Ogeta struck again, narrowing the gap to 19-17.
With tensions high and the game on a knife’s edge, Oilers managed to score a decisive try, sealing a thrilling 24-19 victory and a historic first final berth in the 2025 circuit
Christie 7s Semifinal Results
Main Cup Semifinals
• Kenya Harlequins 19–21 KCB
• Strathmore Leos 19–24 Menengai Oilers
5th Place Semifinals
• Impala RFC 17–14 Daystar Falcons
• Catholic Monks 28–5 Nondies
Upcoming Fixtures
5th Place Final: Nondies vs Impala RFC
Main Cup Final: KCB vs Menengai Oilers