No reprieve for Kenya Sevens in Dubai
What you need to know:
- The French were coming from a heavy 41-0 defeat by Fiji, who went on to edge out Scotland 21-17, to ease through to the main Cup quarterfinals with a match at hand against Kenya Sevens at 6:06pm.
- The winner between Scotland and France at 5.44pm will get to join Fiji from Pool “B” in the Cup quarters.
Kenya Sevens suffered their second consecutive defeat, losing to France 21-17 and drop the Challenge Trophy at Dubai Sevens on Friday.
Shujaa, who found themselves training 14-0 at the break, put up a spirited with Dennis Ombachi scoring a brace as newcomer Johnstone Olindi went for his second try at Dubai, but all was in vain.
Ombachi and Olindi’s exploits brought Kenya back into the match despite training at 17-14, but Jerome Daret's men kept their composure and made sure of their first win of the new season.
The French were coming from a heavy 41-0 defeat by Fiji, who went on to edge out Scotland 21-17, to ease through to the main Cup quarterfinals with a match at hand against Kenya Sevens at 6:06pm.
The winner between Scotland and France at 5.44pm will get to join Fiji from Pool “B” in the Cup quarters.
Elsewhere, Kenya Lionesses will now play Fiji for 11th and last place in Women’s at Dubai Sevens after they lost to Spain 24-7 in the semi-final of the Challenge Trophy.
Ingrid Algar handed Spain the lead with a try after superb phases display but the Lionesses turn on the screws as Janet Okelo staged a good ruin, shifting outside the Spanish defence to score.
Kenya and Spain were inseparable at the break 7-7.
The Lionesses staged some good tackles to keep the Spaniards at bay but not for long Barbara Pla went on attack but Lionesses defence dragged back. Then Olivia Fresneda would sneak through to land
Patricia Garcia turned the ball over the right-hand corner to Algar, who is able to dot down and score.
Iera Echebarria then clinched the game for Spain with a try at the far corner after a superb offload from Beatriz Dominguez Sanchez.
The Lionesses dropped to Challenge Trophy after they lost to New Zealand 34-7, Ireland 27-12 and Russia 19-0.
Grace Adhiambo converted her own try for Kenya’s only points against New Zealand.
Despite their improved skill set and defense drills, Ireland proved the better side against the Lionesses.
Janet “Shebesh” Okello opened up the scores with a well worked try giving the Lionesses a 7-0 lead before Emily Murphy dotted down three tries for the Irish with one being converted successfully.
Captain Philadelphia Orlando landed the Lionesses second and final try in this match before Eve Higgins scored a brace handing Ireland the 27-12 win.
Spain play China, who beat Fiji 12-10 in Challenge Trophy final. New Zealand edged out 17-0 to reach women’s main Cup final where they will face either Australia or Canada.
New Zealand won the first leg of Glendale in October, beating hosts USA 33-7 in the final.
