Kenya Sevens thump USA but fall to Argentina in Madrid

 

Will Thomas of Wales (L) and Willy Ambaka of Kenya reacts at the conclusion of their men's rugby sevens round two match durin the Sydney Sevens rugby tournament at Bankwest Stadium on February 1, 2020. (Photo by SAM MOOY / AFP)

The Kenya national rugby sevens men’s team thumped USA 38-7 to win their third successive match at the Madrid Sevens before losing to Argentina 21-7 in the fourth match on Sunday

In the first match, William Ambaka starred for Kenya with two tries as Jacob Ojee, Johnstone Olindi, Herman Humwa and Billy Odhiambo all touched down to make light work of the Americans who scored through their talisman Perry Baker

The match, which saw Kenya come up against former coach Mike Friday, started on a high after Ambaka gave Kenya a 5-0 advantage with an unconverted try.

USA responded immediately through their speedy star Baker to take a 7-5 lead.

Onyala and Olindi then combined before the latter scored a converted try between the sticks.

Captain Humwa then ensured Shujaa took a healthy lead to half-time as he added a third try that was converted by Anthony Omondi for Kenya to lead 19-7.

Odhiambo went over the whitewash in the second half for Shujaa’s fourth try before turning provider for Ambaka’s second try.

Kenya’s Billy Odhiambo is tackled in the men's sevens rugby match between England and Kenya during day one of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on January 25, 2020. (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP)

Former captain Jacob Ojee completed the rout with a late try that saw Shujaa remain the only unbeaten team in the round-robin competition.

In the second game, Kenya started on the wrong foot and found themselves trailing 7-0 in the opening minutes before Alvin ‘Bufaa’ Otieno bullied his way across the line to ties the scores at 7-7 at half time after Anthony Omondi’s conversion.

After the restart, Argentina punished a mishandling mistake by Jacob Ojee to take a 14-7 lead before going clear once again after Olindi failed to handle the ball from the ruck with Argentina winning 21-7.

Simiyu’s men had on Saturday thrashed Portugal 36-5 before following it up with a 19-5 victory over hosts Spain.

After four matches, Kenya are second in the standings with 9 points, three behind Argentina who lead with 12 points.

Kenya will now play Argentina in the finals to determine the winner.

Kenya Sevens’ results in Madrid

Saturday

Kenya 36-5 Portugal

Spain 5-19 Kenya

Sunday

Kenya 38-7 USA

Argentina 21-7 Kenya