Kenya Sevens stun Tonga to inch closer to playoffs final

Shujaa's Kevin Wekesa (right) celebartes after scoring a try.[Wolrd Rugby]

Kenya Sevens thrashed Tonga 38-26 to move closer to qualifying for the relegation playoffs final after an impressive show at London Sevens on Saturday.

Kenya Cup champion Kevin Wekesa for the second match running scored a hat trick to inspire Kenya to an important win as they continue to fight to avoid being relegated.

Shujaa headed into the match behind their last gasp 24-19 win over Canada in their opening match while Tonga had lost 15-12 to Uruguay.

The East African heavyweights needed a win against Tonga to improve their chances of qualifying for the playoff finals where the winner will take the 12^th position at next seasons World Rugby Sevens Series.

Just as he single handedly inspired Kenya to victory in their opening match, Wekesa led from the front foot as he beat three Tonga defenders to touch down between the sticks for a 7-0 lead after Anthony Omondi's conversion.

Wekesa returned to the try line after touching down at the left corner post for a 12-0 lead before teammate Brian Tanga (both at Kabras Sugar) sold a pair of wheels breaking from the midfield to stretch the scores to 19-0 after Omondi amended his miss.

Tonga pulled a try back through John Ika but Wekesa endured Shujaa went to the break with a 24-7 lead after completing his hat trick at the death.

In the final half, Edmund Anya and captain Nelson Oyoo sealed the win for Shujaa who despite the win let in two late tries scored by John Tapueluelu for Tonga.

Kenya will play Uruguay in another must win match on Sunday from 2.49 pm East African Time.

Shujaa must avoid defeat against the South Americans to qualify for the finals. This is after Uruguay lost 21-19 to Canada. The result left both Canada and Uruguay joint second with four points as Kenya lead the standings with six points. Cnada will play winless Tonga.

A defeat for Kenya might see the two finalists decided through point difference.

Relegation playoffs

Saturday Results

Kenya 24-19 Canada

Kenya 38-26 Tonga

Sunday Fixture

Kenya v Uruguay-2.49pm