Kenya to face New Zealand in Wellington Sevens main cup quarters

The national rugby sevens team will face hosts, New Zealand, in the quarter final of the main cup at the Wellington Sevens after winning two group games Saturday. Kenya blew away Canada by 31 – 7 in their first match and easily dispatched Portugal by 26 – 5.

Benjamin Ayimba’s boys narrowly lost to Australia in their final group match by 17 – 12.

In the Canada match, Collins Injera crossed the whitewash first as Biko Adema added the extras.

Billy Odhiambo stretched the lead with Kenya’s second try as the Canadians struggled to settle into the game. The North Americans struck back with a try to trail 12 – 7 at the interval.

In the second half, Biko Adema celebrated his 50^th appearance for the national team with a try between the uprights. He converted his own try and moments later Odhiambo scored a brace after some superb interplay.

Substitute Humphrey Kayange made an instant impact with Kenya’s 5^th try. Kenya’s second match was against Portugal. Injera once again opened the scoresheet with the first try showing a clean pair of heels.

Portugal leveled from the kick off with Pedro Leal combining well with his team mate.

Odhiambo restored Kenya’s lead with a try but Adema missed the conversion. In the second half, Kenya doubled their score-line to seal the victory.

Hoping to top the pool, Kenya was targeting a victory against Australia. The Aussies had a different agenda, as they struck first with Greg Jeloudev showing a clean pair of heels.

Billy Odhiambo put Kenya back in the game with a try. Kenya snatched the lead with a try by Oscar Ayodi after a powerful run by Billy Odhiambo who smashed through Australia’s John porch to offload to Ayodi.

Australia rallied back to win the game in the second half as Kenya finished second in Group D.