Kenya get consolation wins in Bowl

The national Sevens team put up a spirited fight on the second day of the South Africa rugby sevens, the third stop in the International Rugby Board (IRB) World Series, when they registered two vital wins against Japan and France in the Bowl Competition.

Kenya had lost all its group matches on Saturday, to Wales, South Africa and USA, but recovered well yesterday to play their best rugby this season.

Kenya seemed to get their groove back in their 26-12 victory over Japan, where a Bush Mwale hat-trick reminded Kenyan fans of the good old days where winning was a norm for the team.

This was followed by another narrow 14-12 victory over France. Kenya was to face Canada in the Bowl Finals.

In both games Kenya showed a fighting spirit and even though they still missed some tackles, they seemed intent to defend their narrow leads.

Kenya looked more fluid and passed the ball more as opposed to going into contact. This made it easier for the team to attack and exploit holes within the opponents' defence.

Speaking after their victory over France, Kenya captain Andrew Amonde said they were happy with the wins on the second day but they would still have hoped to do better.

"We are a team in transition and it is evident in the pitch," he said. "We would have loved to see the transition get better, but it has been difficult and we hope it will get easier."

Amonde remained optimistic even as Head Coach Paul Treu tendered his resignation. However, he ruled himself out for the remainder of the season.

Treu has struggled since his appointment. He resigned and heaped the blame on the KRU. Felix Ochieng will take over as caretaker coach.