NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 14 – Kenya Sevens hope of winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games were dashed after suffering 40-7 loss at the hands of New Zealand at Gold Coast, Australia.

Etene Nanai-Seturo scored a first half double to get New Zealand going, his second a lovely chip and chase as he spotted acres of space behind the Kenyan defence.

Sione Molia also scored a stunning individual effort, bursting through three or four tacklers before diving in under the posts.

After the break, Regan Ware, captain Scott Curry and Andrew Knewstubb scored to bring up 40 points for New Zealand. Samuel Oliech scored a late consolation for Kenya.

Shujaa had earlier began their campaign with a 26-10 win over Canada.  Nathan Hirayama put the Canadians ahead for a 5-0 lead but Collins Injera scored on the stroke of half time to see the teams tied 5-5 at the interval.

Oliech would then convert Jeff Oluoch’s try to put the Kenyas 12-5 up but Canada kept in touch through Justin Douglas’ unconverted effort which brought up the scores to 12-10 before Oliech stroked home two conversions after Nelson Oyoo and Willy Ambaka touched down to win the game for Kenya.