The bankers narrowly edged Strathmore Leos 15-14 to clinch the opening leg of the  Sportpesa National7's title  in an entertaining battle at Mombasa sports club.

Elvis Olukusi grabbed KCB’s opening try for a 5-0 lead, before Floyd Wabwire sprinted  past the student’s defence to add the second for KCB to extend their lead to 10-0, after Olukusi   missed the conversion.

Olukusi added his second try on the left wing just before halftime, to ensure the bankers led 15-0 at the breather.

Barnabas Owuor pulled one back for Leos, narrowing the gap to 15-7, before taking advantage after KCB’s Wabwire was sin binned for a high tackle but the penalty try was not enough as they fell 15-14.

Dennis Mwanji’s KCB side edged past Kabras RFC 10-5 in the semi finals to reach the finals, while Strathmore Leos booked their place with a dominant 28-0 victory over Nakuru RFC.

KCB head of Athletic Performance Andrew Amonde said they were at their best and everything worked to their plans all the way to the finals.

 “We have just been rewarded for our hard work, and we have shown the world how good we are.  We were well organised and ven rested someof our players to ensure everyone gets play time as we changed a few things. It is now a matter of preparing for the next circuit as we eye another victory” Said the former Shujaa captain.

The win saw the  Ruaraka based side add another Driftwood title to their collection, having previously won in 2012, 2013, and 2019.

Meanwhile, former Leos star George Ooro Japolo said it was a privilege to play his former side in a very tough duel, but the best team won.

" It is a good feeling to win my first tournament with my new side, just months after  joining  this season. Playing against my former side was  tough  but , but I am happy  the best team won" Added Japolo.