Kenya Morans players celebrate after receiving the 2019 Safari Sevens title from Kenya Rugby Union chairman Oduor Gangla at the RFUEA Grounds on October 20, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 20 – The Kenya Morans put up a fantastic first half performance to shock World Sevens Series core side South Africa 19-14 and clinch the 2019 Safari 7s title at the RFUEA Grounds on Sunday evening.
Geoffrey Okwach, skipper Jeff Oluoch and Alvin ‘Buffa’ Otieno went over the chalk each once as the Morans made up for the loss of their seniors with a well worked performance.
South Africa dotted two tries in the second half through Luyando Mngandi and Hufke Cameron, but it was little too late as the Morans already had the job done.
From the onset, the Morans showed they were not in to play and were determined to avenge for the 19-12 loss they suffered to the Blitzbokke in the group stage matches.
Okwach greased through two tackles from Stedman Gans and Selvyn Davis after a little pretty offload from Jeff Oluoch to dot down while Johnstone Olindi booted home the extras for a 7-0 lead.
Some brilliant display of defense ensured Morans stayed in the lead. Gans picked up a loose pass in the middle of the pack and broke down headed to the try box, but Okwatch showed superb pace to track him and pull him down at the edge of the 22.
Oluoch picked up the turnover and tried to put on the after burners, but the slippery nature of the pitch saw him slip and fall with South Africa surviving the gun pointed back at them.
Kenya Morans players join Alvin Otieno in celebrating the third try during the finals of the Safari Sevens at the RFUEA Grounds on October 20, 2019. PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
The skipper then ensured Kenya kept their lead when he crossed over after Morans turned over possession, the scores going in at 12-0.
The raging bull Alvin Otieno then made it 17-0 with a brilliant try, bumping away from his chaser before heading for the centre posts with Olindi adding the twos for a 19-0 half time lead.
South Africa came back after the breather determined for a turnover, but Morans defended well and delayed their intended comeback though Gans and Selvyn both had converted tries.
Shujaa who lost to South Africa in the Cup semis meanwhile beat Russia Academy 19-5 to clinch the bronze.
