Kenya Simbas thrash Barcelona to end South Africa tour on a high

Kenya Simbas players celebrate their victory against Zambia during their Rugby Africa Cup match at the Nyayo national stadium in Nairobi on July 11, 2021. [photo courtesy]

Kenya Simbas on Thursday ended their South Africa tour on a high note after thrashing Diables Barcelona 59-6 in a match played at Bloemfontein.

Kabras Sugar’s Derrick Ashihundu scored a hattrick in his debut while John Okoth followed with a brace to inspire Kenya to their second win in South Africa.

The Simbas were aiming to end the tour on a high note, having beaten Brazil 36-30 last Saturday to win Bronze in Stellenbosch Challenge.

In the match, Kenya started on the front foot after Kabras duo Barry Robinson and Ashiundu combined with the latter sprinting to the try line off a ruck to score the opening try which  Andrew Matoka converted to lead 7-0.

Simbas doubled their lead following a penalty try before Barcelona cut the deficit by three points with a penalty to trail 14-3.

Simbas went on to land the third try through Kabras new signing Sakari Sikuta for a 19-3 lead.

The match would be temporarily stopped due to heavy rainfall and upon resumption, Barcelona converted another penalty before Ashihundu bagged his brace for a comfortable 26-6 half time lead.

After the restart, second half substitute Elkeans Musonye joined the party after crossing over for  the fifth try of the match.

Ashihundu would then grab his hat-trick before Okoth went over twice in addition to Vincent onyala’s try to seal a commanding 59-6 win.

In the South Africa Tour, the Simbas played Currie Cup Champions team losing 85-17, went down 60-24 against Namibia before defeating Brazil 36-30.

Kenya Simbas: 1.Joseph Odero, 2. Bonface Ochieng, 3. Patrick Ouko, 4. Brian Juma, 5. Thomas Okeyo, 6. George Nyambua(VC), 7. Fidel Oloo, 8. Stephen Sakari, 9. Barry Robinson, 10. Darwin Mukidza©, 11. Derrick Ashihundu, 12. John Okoth, 13. Peter Kilonzo, 14. Andrew Matoka, 15. Isaac Njoroge.

Reserves: 16. Ian Njenga, 17. Eugene Sifuna, 18. Ephraim Oduor, 19. Bethwel Anami, 20. Elkeans Musonye, 21. Brian Wahinya, 22. Vincent Onyala, 23. Jacob Ojee, 24. Daniel Sikuta, 25. Malcolm Onsando, 26. Jone Kubu.

 

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