Simbas slay the Hong Kong Dragons

Kenya Simbas touched down twice in either half as they staged some territorial display to beat Hong Kong Dragons 34-10 in a Test match at the RFUEA ground on Saturday.

Man-of-the-match open-side flanker Tony Owuor, prop Joseph Kang’ethe, fly half Nato Simiyu and right wing Darwin Mukidza touched down a try apiece.

Mukudza converted all the tries besides two penalties to spur Kenya to victory and lift the Tatu City Series Trophy.

Substitute Hugo Stiles scored the tourists’ only try while debutante Matt Rosslee converted besides curling over a penalty as the Dragons’ late charge in the second half proved futile.

It was a sweet revenge for the Simbas who had in 2011 lost to the Dragons 17-44 in a tri-nation tournament in Dubai. The Dragons on Tuesday lost to Kenya A 18-24.

SUPERB DISPLAYS

The Dragons went into the match placed 22nd in the World Rugby ranking, two places ahead of Kenya Simbas.

“It was a game of two halves, with my charges having dominated with superb territorial display in the first half,” said the Simbas skipper Brian Nyikuli. “What a way to end the long season that had many hurdles and we thank God for this victory.”

Nyikuli paid tribute the their fans who have supported them the whole season “The fans have been our fortress and I will not be surprised if we qualify for the 2019 World Cup,” said Nyikuli adding that the victory by Kenya A and Kenya Simbas was a clear indication of the country’s rich depth.

The Dragons skipper Nick Hewson played well but were punished for for their mistakes.

“We committed so many errors at the rucks and our defence looked porous,” said Hewson, who still gave it to his charges. “This is a young side we are trying to build.”