Kenya U20 finished bottom at position eight in the World Junior Trophy after losing their fourth consecutive match in the World Junior Trophy, this was after allowing Hong Kong to stage a comeback for a 34-14 in the seventh playoff at Hive Stadium.
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Chipu headed into the match chasing their first win in the competition against a side on a similar mission. It was Kenya who were quick off the blocks with Eugene Ojiambo landing the opening try in the third minute after an intercept deep in his 22, racing clear to dive and score for Chipu.
The try was converted by Philip Okeyo for a 7-0 lead.
Kenya U20 double lead
Eight minutes later, burly forward Andy Cole Omollo landed the second try for Kenya. A quick tap from a penalty by Okeyo saw him race on before offloading to supporting Patrick Wainaina. Wainaina linked up again with Okeyo, who passed it to Omollo for another centre post try.
Kenya U20 (Chipu) scrum-half Patrick Wainaina in action against Netherlands. PHOTO/World Rugby
Hong Kong replied with a try through Ben Sheldon after a maul. James Kee later landed the second try, slicing through the Kenyan defence to bring his side closer.
Their third try came courtesy of beautiful support play and passage of the ball, which put Matthew Rickard through for a try.
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Dan Kipchirchir was yellow-carded in the 32nd minute, and after five minutes of intense defending, Dom Hedley crossed over for a try for Hong Kong, which was converted for a 22-14 score.
Chipu then lost hooker Bramwel Anekea to a yellow card, cutting their numbers to 13. Sheldon landed his second try for Hong Kong, bringing the score to 29-14 at the break.
In the final half, Kenya’s closest chance in the opening minutes of the half was interrupted as they conceded a penalty in attack for holding the ball on the ground in Hong Kong’s danger zone.
Kenya U20 (Chipu) in action against Netherlands. PHOTO/World Rugby
Hong Kong also had a clear-cut chance in the 59th minute but the fullback lost the ball as he prepared to touch down for a try.
Despite Hong Kong camping in Kenya’s half in the better part of the match, they could only break defence again in the 75th when Rickard was put through thanks to a beautiful passage of play for 34-14.
