Hong Kong cage unlucky Simbas: Olaba scores on debut as Hong Kong hold Simbas in test match

Kenya Simbas against Namibia Kenya Simbas against Namibia

Hong Kong cage unlucky Simbas

Kenya fights from 14-12 to force draw at RFUEA.

It was a dream start for Strathmore centre Alex Olaba, who scored on his Kenya Simbas debut.

Parading alongside experienced players as the national 15s team took on Hong Kong, Olaba knew what was expected of him and seven other debutants.

Although the Kenyans were forced to rally from behind and force a 19-19 draw in the first leg of the international test match at RFUEA Grounds, yesterday, it was a good ending for the debutant.

Simbas assistant coach Dominique Habimana’s gamble to field a youthful side almost backfired, however, as the hosts trailed 14-12 deep into the second half before the experienced Dennis Muhanji touched down a converted try to tie the scores 19-19.

Other than Olaba, Philip Ikambili, Emmanuel Mavala, Elkeans Musonye and Brad Owako also made starting debuts, while Benjamin Marshall came off bench to make his senior team debut.

“The youngsters had some flashes of brilliance and did well as the game progressed. It is in a test series match like this that we can try different combinations and things like intensity,” said Habimana, who was in charge of the team. Head coach Jerome Paarwater is away.

“We are happy with the boys’ performance.”

But for Hong Kong captain, Jamie Tsang, this was a disappointing result for his team after they dominated the game for most times.

“We dropped off at the close of second half. I am disappointed with the result; we should have killed this game in the first half.

"But that’s now behind us, we are now focusing on Saturday’s match,” said Tsang.

This was the third meeting between the two sides after Kenya won their two legged test match series (24-18 and 34-10) in Nairobi.

Hong Kong took the lead through Jack Parfitt’s converted try in the 10th minute before Liam Slatem scored the second try, which Liam Gallaher converted with little worry.