Resurgent Kenya ‘A’ hit Hong Kong

Kenya ‘A’ rallied from behind to beat visiting Hong Kong 24-18 in an international friendly at the Impala Sports Club grounds on Tuesday night.

The hosts touched down three converted tries and a penalty. Kenya's backs did the most damage when the enterprising inside centre Patrice Agunda, substitute scrum-half Samson Onsomu and left wing Cyprian Kuto each touched down as fly-half Kevin Masai made two conversions.

Full-back Michael Agevi, who also made one conversion, curled over the penalty for Kenya’s opening score as the home team trailed 3-8 and then 10-11 at the break. Onsomu replaced injured skipper Innocent Simiyu early in the first half.

Hong Kong scored two tries through left wing Conor Hartley and substitute  Jack Parfitt, while fly-half Jason Kjestrup curled over two penalties as Matt Rosley made a conversion.

Hong Kong take on Kenya Simbas in an international Test Match on Saturday at the RFUEA.

The visiting Dragons drew first blood when Hartley crossed the line before Agevi responded with a penalty for a 5-3 score. Simiyu suffered an Achilles tendon injury midway through the first half and Onsomu stepped in for some gallant display at the back of the pack.

Kenya were punished for their mistakes and they concede two penalties. Kjestrup curled over to give Kong Kong an 11-3 lead. Kuto worked his way up to set up Agunda for the try that Agevi converted as Kenya trailed 10-11 at the drinks.

Onsomu then tore the Hong Kong defence apart when he sliced through the middle to score before Masai stepped up to convert as Kenya led for the first time 17-11. 

Open side flanker Dan Sikuta would steal a lineout ball from inside Kenya’s 5m, charged through before laying Kuto, who sprinted from 40m to score.

Masai drilled the conversion for a 24-11 score. Hong Kong were still in the game though, as Parfitt landed for Rosley to convert but time was against them.

“Our defence was good but our rucks and set-pieces need some improvement,” said Kenya deputy coach Dominique Habimana.

Hong Kong skipper backrow Nick Hewson rued the many errors his charges committed, especially in the defence.