By Bs Mulavi

Kenya departs from Gold Coast in Australia with a sour taste in the mouth and with no points to show for their effort after they lost out to Tonga in the Bowl quarterfinals in the first round of the International Rugby Board Sevens circuit.

However, the Kenya National Sevens Team refused to be put down by their poor results having left left with no points after losing to Tonga 7-5 and Japan 19-14.

Speaking exclusively to Feverpitch, Kenya team manager John Mbai, expressed the frustration the team had after losing, but reaffirmed that they are learning from the experience in preparation for future tournaments.

"It disappointing, but we are encouraged by the character that the boys showed especially against New Zealand and Fiji," he said.

Both New Zealand and Fiji went on to the final of the tournament.

"The Team is improving with every game and I believe our defence was great especially in the game against Njue, and it helped us to stay competitive in the other matches," he added

Kenya had very little possession on the first day as compared to the second, which limited them to performing to their best. However, on the second day when Kenya was expected to shine they still looked shy and lacked ideas, a problem the technical bench is working on.

"The attacking systems are yet to work well, but we are confident that it will eventually yield some positive results as the young team gains experience of playing top international matches," said Mbai.

Kenya will also have to work on their discipline in the contact situation as it once again cost them a chance to win against Tonga in a tight Bowl quarterfinal encounter. Kennedy Moseti was sin binned in the first half while the team conceded too many penalties, which put them on the back foot.

As the team heads to Dubai next weekend Ocholla and his troops will have to get a remedy to conceding early tries as once again in the Shield semi final, Kenya were caught napping by Japan, who took an early 12-0 lead before clawing their way back to a slender 14-12 lead but again let in a late try to lose the game.

Patrice Agunda, Willy Ambaka and Chris Asego were Kenya’s try scorers for the second day and now its back to the drawing board for the whole squad as they look to mount a credible showing in the eight legs remaining in the circuit.