Kenya Sevens finish last at London Sevens

Rugby
By Washington Onyango | May 29, 2022
England's Dan Norton charges through the Kenya defense [Courtesy-World Rugby]

Sevens on Sunday finished last at the eighth leg of the World Rugby Seven Series, London Sevens after failing to win any of their six matches played at Twickenham Stadium in England.

Despite Archadius Kwesa scoring his second World Rugby Sevens try, Kenya's struggles at the global games were confirmed when they lost to Japan 14-5 in the 13th place semifinals.

The Dramina McGrath led side had earlier lost 26-0 to France in the ninth place semifinals which they played after losing all their Group B matches against Argentina, Ireland and South Africa.

On Saturday, Shujaa lost their opening Group B match to Ireland 17-14 before their fate was sealed by World Sevens Series leaders Argentina who thrashed them 26-0. A narrow 24-21 defeat to South Africa saw them drop to the Challenge Trophy and out of the Main Cup quarterfinals.

In the first match, Shujaa trailed 5-0 at the break after Aaron O’Sullivan breached the defence on the left wing to give the Irish the slender lead before Edmund Anya restored parity 5-5 early in the second half. Anthony Omondi converted for a 7-5 lead.

The Irish regained their lead after speedster Jordon Conroy scored a try that Mark Roche converted for a 12-5.

Arcadius Khwesa scored with seconds on the clock after fending off two defenders outside Ireland’s 22-metre and crossing the whitewash under the sticks. Omondi successfully converted the try for 14-12 lead.

However, Kenya conceded a penalty in Ireland’s half from the restart which their opponents capitalised on to score the winning try through Terry Kennedy.

Shujaa head coach Damian McGrath said there is still a lot of work to be done to get Kenya back to where it belongs.

 

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