Adema brings the Bowl home

Nondescripts centre Biko Adema has emerged as the new kid on the block at Wellington Sevens, handing Kenya their first points in the IRB World Sevens Series this season.

The 23-year-old Management Information Systems student at Daystar University capped a superlative tour of New Zealand with his sixth try of the tournament as Kenya crushed Tonga 19-0 to lift the Bowl on Saturday.

It was swift and sweet revenge against the Pacific Islanders who beat the Kenyans 17-10 in the pool stages on Friday.

The centre converted captain Humphrey Kayange’s try as Kenya led Tonga 7-0 at intervals. Sidney Ashioya then extended the lead with a second try seconds after the restart.

Adema’s boot was precise with a conversion for a 14-0 lead. Thereafter, he would wrap up his sublime display with a try to kill off the game for Kenya as they claimed their first four points for 10th place in the Series.

Missed the opening legs

Adema, who missed the opening legs in Dubai and George, ensured that Kenya were the first side through to the Bowl final with a last-gasp 15-12 win against Scotland when he crossed the line at the buzzer.

In their quarter-final match, the Kenyans also snatched a late 19-14 victory against Canada after trailing 14-12 for the entire second half. It was Andrew Amonde who crossed in the last play of the match before Adema converted to triumph.

Oscar Ouma launched Kenya’s campaign against the Canadians with his maiden try, which Adema converted for a 7-2 lead.

The North Americans would score two quick converted tries but Peter Ocholla replied with a try that Adema failed to convert.

However, Adema held his breath to convert Amonde’s try for Kenya to march to the quarters.

In a nutshell, Adema ended the tournament second on the try scorers chart with six tries, four behind New Zealand’s Dedan O’Donnell.

With six tries and nine conversions, Adema amassed 48 points to see him finish second on the points scorers chart, just two points behind O’Donnell.

On Friday, Adema scored two tries and three conversions but those were not enough as Kenya lost 21-24 to Samoa.

He managed a try and two conversions in Kenya’s 19-21 loss to Australia and another try against Tonga but succumbed 10-17.

The former St Mary’s School player has been playing rugby for the past 10 years but considers his best moments as when he scored a try in Kenya’s first ever 26-7 victory against Fiji in the 2009 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in Dubai.

Turn their focus to USA Sevens

After bagging four points for 10th place in the IRB World Sevens Series, Benjamin Ayimba’s charges now turn their focus to USA Sevens in Las Vegas next weekend.

They are up against New Zealand, who are fresh from winning the Wellington Sevens, as well as world champions Wales and Uruguay.

Meanwhile, Wilson K’Opondo will be flying back home while debutant Lawrence Buyachi and regular kicker Lavin Asego will link up with the team for the USA Sevens.

“The team failed to play well in only one match – against Tonga in the pool stages – but I am happy with the revenge victory since it showed what they can do when under pressure,” said coach Ayimba.

“I am proud of the boys because, since yesterday, they have been putting in hard work. It all began eight weeks after the Dubai and George legs and I must say it is paying off.

“It’s a good start now that we got the pressure to pile on more points in Las Vegas. I am impressed that new players have come up to get some points, which is a good impetus for them.”