SEVENS TEAM SLIP: Return of only two points sees Kenya drop to 11th in IRB series

TOPSHOT - Kenya's Samuel Oliech (C) is tackled during their match against France on the second day of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens tournament on April 9, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / ANTHONY WALLACE

Kenya slipped to the 11th position in the 2016/2017 World Sevens Series rankings with 27 points after a dismal performance at the Sydney Sevens where they only collected a paltry two points.

The Sevens team lost 22-0 to Russia in the Challenge Cup quarterfinals, dropping into the less prestigious Shield Competition (13th Play-offs) semifinals.

In the Shield competition (13th play-offs) first semifinal match, Kenya defeated Scotland 19-14 before losing 10-5 to Canada in the finals.

In the second semi-final match, Canada had beaten Papua New Guinea 33-20 having lost 19-7 to Japan in the other Challenge trophy quarterfinal match before arresting Kenya in the finals of the Shield competition to bag three points and remain in twelfth in the log with 25 points.

Series leaders South Africa won the Sydney Sevens title after dispatching England 29-14 in the finals for a third title this season having earlier won Dubai and Wellington Sevens .

South Africa now have a massive 17 point lead with 85 points ahead of Cape Town Sevens winners England who have 68 points.

Kenya Sevens’ performance was an under achievement compared to the Wellington Sevens in New Zealand a week earlier where they mustered eight points after winning Challenge Trophyin their 19-17 win over Australia in the Challenge Cup finals.

And in the Kenya Cup League, Kenya Commercial Bank, Impala Saracens, Harlequins and Homeboyz all registered bonus point wins at the weekend.

The bankers defeated Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad 47-0 in Ruaraka as Impala walloped Mean Machine 46-6 at Impala Club.

On their part, Harlequins pulled a 31-16 victory over Western Bulls at RFUEA with Menengai Cream Homeboyz dispatching stubborn Mwamba RFC 28-17 at Jamhuri Park.

Defending champions Kabras Sugar saw-off Nondescript 31-15 at Kakamega ASK Showground.

At Nakuru Athletic Club, homeboys Nakuru RFC clobbered Strathmore Leos 16-3.