NAIROBI, Kenya, February 4- Kenya finished bottom of Pool C at the IRB Wellington Sevens after losing all their matches on Friday morning.
Benjamin Ayimba’s side suffered a narrow 24-21 loss to Samoa following it up with a controversial 21-19 defeat to Australia and a shock 17-10 defeat to Tonga in their last game at Westpac Stadium despite a blistering start through a Biko Adema try.
Tonga responded with a try from Joseph Lui to tie the game at 5-5 but Andrew Amonde put Kenya ahead again at halftime with a try of his own
In the second half, it was all Tonga as Jack Ram sent them on their way to victory with a converted try for a 12-10 lead.
The crowd was then treated to an end to end spectacle of sevens rugby as both sides pounded each other with big runs and mesmerised with high speed passing.
Kenya were soon under pressure under their post which eventually told as captain Humphrey Kayange fumbled a pass from Adema allowing the onrushing Atelea Okati to pounce on the loose ball for the win.
In their first match, Samoa took an early lead with a Lolo Lui try in the second minute that was cancelled out by two converted tries by Adema and Collins Injera putting Kenya 14-5 ahead at half time.
Samoa’s team reshuffle paid dividends immediately with substitute Ofisa Treviranus crossing for two tries after the break to give the south pacific islanders the lead.
Taulagi Afamasaga crossed over for another converted try to stretch Samoa’s lead to 24-14 with two minutes left in the clash.
Adema’s crossed over for another converted touchdown in stoppage time which was little too late.
Kenya went behind early again against Australia after a converted try from Brian Sefanaia but Adema struck again alongside Kayange with two converted tries for a 14-7 halftime lead.
John Grant put the Aussies on level terms with another converted try after the break.
A sustained drive by Kenya from their 22 coupled with indiscipline from the Aussies produced a try for substitute Sydney Ashioya who scored from close range after a quick tap from a penalty.
But the utility back went from hero to villain after he was sent to the sin bin for using hands in the ruck.
A succession of penalties against Kenya led the Aussies to camp on the Kenya try line and were duly paid for their sustained pressure when Shaun Foley crashed over for late try and ultimately victory.
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