Four-time defending champions Strathmore Leos bowed out of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit Embu 7s on Saturday after crashing out of the Main Cup competition, but they signed off their campaign with a convincing 32-5 victory over Zetech Oaks in the Bowl Cup quarter-finals on Sunday morning.
The Leos, who had dominated the Embu 7s in recent years, had won the tournament for four consecutive editions since 2022. However, their title defence took an unexpected turn after they failed to progress to the Main Cup quarter-finals for the first time in four years, forcing them to switch their attention to the Bowl competition.
They responded strongly in the Bowl Cup quarter-final, producing an impressive attacking display to run in six tries against Zetech Oaks and secure a comfortable 32-5 victory.
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Strathmore started the contest on the front foot and quickly put the Oaks under pressure through their attacking intent and quick ball movement. Gabriel Ayimba opened the scoring after making a neat run following a dummy, beating the Zetech defence to touch down for the Leos’ first try. Ayman Wamalwa could not add the extras, leaving the score at 5-0.
The Leos continued to dominate possession and territory, with Wamalwa playing a key role in creating their second try. The playmaker delivered a well-timed offload to Elton Amalemba, who spotted a gap in the Oaks’ defensive line before powering through with a small fend to score. Wamalwa was again unable to convert, but Strathmore had stretched their advantage to 10-0.
Wamalwa then turned from creator to finisher, reading the Zetech attack perfectly to intercept a pass. He kept his composure, raced clear and went all the way to score the Leos’ third try. Ayimba’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving Strathmore with a 15-0 advantage.
The defending champions maintained their attacking pressure and were rewarded once again after a quick ruck created space for Stanslaus Shikoli to break through and touch down. This time, the conversion was successful, extending the Leos’ lead to 22-0.
Strathmore continued to dictate proceedings as the first half approached its conclusion. Ayimba turned provider once again, producing an important offload to Victor Mola, who finished the move by touching down. Mola’s successful conversion pushed the score to 27-0 at the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Leos maintaining their intensity and keeping Zetech on the back foot. Collins Maina added another try to complete Strathmore’s scoring, although Mola was unable to convert, leaving the Leos with a commanding 32-0 lead.
Zetech Oaks finally found a breakthrough when Kevin Ombasa intercepted a pass and raced over the try line to give his side their first points of the contest. The conversion was unsuccessful, making it 32-5.
That proved to be the final scoring action of the match as Strathmore Leos closed out a comfortable 32-5 victory in the Bowl Cup quarter-finals.
Although the result offered some consolation, the four-time champions will be disappointed with their overall Embu 7s campaign after failing to reach the Main Cup quarter-finals for the first time since their remarkable run of dominance began.
The Leos will now have to regroup and assess their performance as the SportPesa National 7s Circuit continues, with the team looking to bounce back strongly in the final leg of the competition.
Bowl Cup Quarters Results
Strathmore Leos 32-5 Zetech Oaks
NYS Spades 24-10 Mombasa
Mmust 17-0 Nakuru
Kisumu 0-17 Embu