Kenya Sevens lose to Australia but reach Commonwealth Games quarters
By Collins Amanga, July 30, 2022Kenya Sevens are through to the Commonwealth quarter-finals despite losing 7-5 to Australia in the final pool D match played on Saturday 30th July at Coventry Stadium.
Shujaaa headed to this match after an impressive day one. They concluded the first day of action on top of the table, having won two games. Damian McGrath’s charges scored five tries to overcome Uganda 7s 27-14 in the first match of the day.
Kenya Sevens second win
The men in red then scored seven tries against Jamaica in the second pool stage match, winning 45-0 to book a place in the quarterfinals.
As they faced Australia they were keen to pick a win that would have seen them top the pool. It was however a competitive game all through.
Australia were reduced to six and Alvin Otieno ultimately put Shujaa ahead with an unconverted try for a 5-0 advantage at the interval.
After the restart, it was a slugfest, with Australia ultimately pulling level through Corey Toole before Dietrich Roach converted to give the Aussies the lead.
Shujaa frantically tried to win the match, but their effort did not pay off. Shujaa end the group stage action with seven points after two wins and a loss. Australia are top with eight points following two wins and a draw.
Both teams have advanced to the quarterfinals and are still in medal contention. Shujaa will square off against New Zealand at 11:10 p.m. EAT.
Uganda miss Quarters
Uganda, on the other hand, have missed the quarters and will have to fight for a better finish in the classification matches scheduled to kickstart the second session.
Uganda lost to Kenya Sevens in the opener before holding Australia to a 12-12 draw in the second match. They concluded their group stage matches with a convincing 40-0 win over Jamaica.
To beat Jamaica, Aaron Ofoywroth bagged a brace of tries, while Ian Munyani, Adrian Kasito, and William Nkore each scored once. Philip Wokorach got one try and belted in five conversions.
Kenya Sevens day group stage results
Kenya Sevens 27-14 Uganda
Kenya Sevens 45-0 Jamaica
Kenya Sevens 5-7 Australia