DUBAI, March 7 – Kenya’s fairytale run at the 2009 Rugby World Cup sevens came to an end on Saturday evening after they lost 12-0 to Argentina in the main cup semifinals at the Sevens Park in Dubai.
It was an anticlimax ending on a history making weekend for the Safari sevens champions who reached the knockout stages of the Melrose Cup tournament at the third time of asking.
They were suffocated out of the game by the Pumas who played intelligently slowing down the game and dominating the racks against a visibly fatigued Kenyans.
Horacio San Martin and Martin Bustos Moyano scored the tries to knock the stuffing out of the Kenyans.
“The Argentineans were just too good. They had a game plan and it worked for them. But I am proud of the boys. They gave their all and though we did not win the trophy, we have done extremely well and have shown the world what we can achieve,” said Ayimba.
But taken nothing from the Kenyans who gave their all throughout the tournament with impressive performances that had the huge crowd at the majestic venue swooning in admiration.
Earlier in the day, Kenyan pulled off one of the upsets of the tournament beating reigning World champions Fiji 26-7 to qualify for her first ever Main cup semifinals.
“It feels the best. It’s been three long seasons and this is where we are reaping reward. The boys were charged. They simply wanted it more and were hungry for victory and all I had to do was convince them they can,” said Ayimba.
“I am elated, I still haven’t comprehended it. When they thrashed us 71-0, I promised myself that o would not leave until we become world champions and hopefully this will be it,” said Ayimba.
Lavin Asego set Kenya on its way with the crucial try which he converted for a 7-0 halftime lead.
Victor Opong Oduor then superbly created the second with brilliant chip and chase before offloading to Biko Adema who raced on to score underneath the pots.
The Fijians Orisis Sareki then scored to bring the Fijians back in the game built the Kenyans boys would have none of it. Kayange scored the third try after another Oduor offload.
The boys could now sense victory and they challenged at every ball, in the scrum, break down and pretty much everywhere else and Injera rounded things off with his fifth try of the tournament.