NAIROBI, Kenya, June 30- Dan Norton was the hero for England as brave Kenya saw their spirited run end at the Main Cup semi finals at for the second Rugby World Cup Sevens in a row following a 12-5 defeat to England in a rain soaked Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday.
Mike Friday’s side simply could not handle the ball in atrocious pitch conditions as heavy rains pounded the Russian capital, conceding possession easily and were made to pay in the first half of a cagey match.
Norton proved to be the difference, scoring both England’s tries in the first half before making a try saving tackle right at the end to deny Kenya a chance to complete their second half fight back after Andrew Amonde went down to cut the deficit to 12-5 after the breather.
England kicked-off the match and soon, Kenya knocked on allowing the winners to spread the ball wide from the scrum but the defence held well to prevent the try.
However, they were made to pay when they lost the ball as Norton sprinted away to touch down for a converted try to give his side a 7-0 lead.
He scored his second from another Kenyan knock on when he kicked the ball ahead, chased after it and touched down to score for a 12-0 lead after a failed conversion.
Amonde brought his side back by going down and this caused unease in the English ranks as Kenya tried to force the issue.
However, Norton had the last word, saving a certain try with a last ditch tackle.
