Africa-Press – Kenya. Shujaa’s dismal performance at the Hong Kong sevens continued when they bagged a solitary point from the three-day tournament on April 2.
Kenya’s relegation worries continued with three tournaments left to the conclusion of the series in Singapore next weekend and the final two events in Toulouse and London next month.
Kenya lost all matches leaving the tournament with no wins after losses to New Zealand 29-5, Ireland 26-14 and South Africa 26-17 in the preliminary pool matches.
In the classification match against Samoa, Damian McGrath’s charges were second best losing 26-12.
The Pacific Islanders were quick off the block running three tries in the first half for a comfortable 19-0- lead at the interval.
The Samoans scored through Tuna Tuitama who grabbed a brace while Paul Scanlan scored a third
On resumption, Alvin Otieno reduced the deficit with a well-taken try converted by Tony Omondi for 19-7.
The Samoans were too slick for Shujaa from the resultant kick-off scoring through Faafoi Falaniko.
George “ Japolo” Ooro scored a late consolation for Shujaa.
Matters went from bad to worse for Shujaa in the 13th classification match, losing to the hosts’ Hong Kong 19-10.
The hosts who are an invitational side, scored courtesy of Seb Brian scoring twice and Ruseel Webb once. Kenya replied through Alvin Otieno and Jeff Oluoch.
The 15th-placed core team based on accumulated Series points following the 10th round in Toulouse will be relegated.
The 12th, 13th and 14th placed teams at the end of Toulouse will enter a four-team relegation play-off together with the Challenger Series 2023 winners at the 12th and final round of the Series in London.
The relegation play-off will be on a round-robin basis with the top two teams then playing in the final.
The winner will become the 12th core team in the 2023/2024 Series, while the other three teams will enter their respective Regional Sevens Challenger Series.
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