Shujaa, Lionesses miss GC2018 targets after humbling defeats

Shujaa, Lionesses miss GC2018 targets after humbling defeats

Kenya 7s finished eighth in the 2018 Commonwealth Games after a 28-24 loss to Wales in seventh place play-offs played on Sunday morning in Gold Coast, Australia.

Kenya came from behind to level matters at 14-14 at half-time but Wales rallied back to bag two converted tries against Kenya’s two unconverted tries in the second half to win the clash.

Olympic champions Fiji will tackle New Zealand in fight for gold as England and current champions South Africa square it out in the battle for bronze.

Hong Kong Sevens most valuable player Amenoni Nasilasila broke the hearts of the South Africans with a try in the corner after a 19-19 tie into the extra time, Fijii winning 24-19 and will meet New Zealand in the fight for gold  at 5.04pm Kenyan time.

Innocent Simiyu charges will now shift focus to the Singapore Sevens where they are in pool ‘B’ alongside familiar opponents USA, France and England.

In women category, Kenya Lionesses finished sixth after a 40-7 loss to Fiji in the fifth place play-off. Kevin Wambua side will now embark on Africa 7s Cup preparations.

The matches will be played in Botswana’s capital Gaborone in late May.

Innocent Simiyu’s charges had expressed their intent to end Kenya’s barren return at the global showpiece having never achieved a finish higher than seventh but those ambitions were dented by the defeat to the All Blacks in their second game.

The Fijiana 7s coached by Iliesa Tanivula dominated every area of the game as they crossed over with five tries with Kenya going over once.

Miriama Naiobasali and Timaima Ravisa scored two tries each while Rusila Nagasau and Viniana Riwai bagged a try each.

Fiji was leading 26-0 going to the intervals, with Lionesses still in search of their first try however Janet Okello who has been exceptional at the Commonwealth Games scored the first and only try for Kenya which she converted, but the Fijians were stronger, ending the contest 40-7.

At the same time, Australia will play New Zealand in the women’s final at 4.42 pm.

Meanwhile, Kenya wrapped up her campaign at the Club Games with 17 medals; 4 Gold, 7 Silver and 6 Bronze to finish 14th out of 71 nations that participated in the competition.

Tags:

Australia Kenya Shujaa Gold Coast 40-7 loss to Fiji defeat to Wales Lionnesses miss Commonwelath atrget

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