Kenya Sevens’ hopes of playing for the Los Angeles Cup quarters received a major boost as they defeated England 19-14 in the second match of the day played at Dignity Park.

The win sees Shujaa move to four points after two matches and will qualify for the quarters if they beat Scotland in the last match.

Ambaka’s first try

Willy Ambaka scored first, with Sammy Oliech converting before Billy Odhiambo scored his 100th World Series try to put Shujaa up 12-0 at the half.

When Ambaka crashed over for his brace, Oliech converted for a 19-0 lead before England battled back after a period of Kenyan indiscipline that saw Odhiambo sent to the bin for a lifting tackle, followed by Kevin Wekesa for a late tackle that saw Shujaa surrender a penalty try.

Tom Mitchell converted Charlton Kerr’s try at the death but Shujaa held on for the win.

They play Scotland at 2.26 am EAT on Sunday 28 August 2022.

Unique system

Due to the effects of the global epidemic, the 2022 Series features a unique Series scoring system in which each team’s end-of-season total is derived by taking their best seven results from the nine Series events.

That means South Africa, who won the first four tournaments of the 2022 Series, currently lead the way on 124 points and would claim the Series title should they reach the final in LA, meanwhile Australia are two points behind and Argentina a further four adrift.

Fiji are fourth on 104 points but the system in place in 2022 ensures that they retain a shot at claiming a fifth men’s Series crown despite missing the tournaments in Malaga and Seville at the start of the year.