NEWS

Lions, Shogun, and Zimbabwe soar in Safari 7s opener; Red Wailers shock Morans

By Amanga collins

Posted on October 11, 2024

Shogun Rugby in a past event. They are expected for Safari 7s once again. PHOTO/Shogun/Fb

The Safari 7s tournament kicked off at Machakos Stadium with impressive performances from United Kingdom based Lions Rugby, Shogun, Zimbabwe, and Red Wailers, all picking up wins in their opening matches.

Shogun started strong, defeating National 7s Circuit Champions Kenya Harlequin 26-0 in the first match of the day. Frenchman Alex Odinga opened the scoring, breaking through the centre and racing to score under the posts, with the try successfully converted for a 7-0 lead.

Shogun lead at Safari 7s

Just before halftime, Shogun added a second converted try, heading into the break 14-0 ahead.

Kenya Harlequin suffer first Safari 7s loss as Shogun register first win. #rugby #RugbyKE #rugbyisourpassion pic.twitter.com/IuvAtZT0Xw

— Scrummage Africa (@Scrummageafrica) October 11, 2024

In the second half, Harlequins struggled to capitalize on opportunities, and Shogun extended their lead with tries from Mervano Da Silva and Peter Williams, sealing a commanding 26-0 victory.

In the second match, Red Wailers edged Kenya Morans 14-12 in a thrilling encounter. Nyaenya Moseti scored the opening try for Red Wailers, and the conversion gave them a 7-0 lead after a solid defensive effort.

Morans responded with a try from Jackson Siketa, following a powerful carry and offload by Festus Shiasi. The conversion tied the game at 7-7 going into halftime.

In the second half, Patrick Lumumba crossed the whitewash to put Morans ahead 12-7, but Red Wailers fought back with Stanislaus Shikoli scoring the decisive try, and Arnold Muita’s conversion made it 14-12.

Despite the Morans winning possession back, a forward pass dashed their hopes of a comeback, allowing Red Wailers to claim the upset win.

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Lions Rugby showcased dominant form, thrashing Qatar 38-0. Carpenter Fletcher starred with a hat-trick, his dazzling footwork and pace helping him score the first try, which he converted himself.

Captain Aaron Watkins followed up with a try on the right wing, and another from Fletcher gave the Lions a 19-0 lead. Forbes Grady added a try off a quick lineout, and Fletcher’s playmaking set up Watkins for a 33-0 halftime score.

Fletcher completed the rout with a final try in the second half, rounding off an impressive 38-0 win.

Lions Rugby to strong for Qatar Rugby in the 2024 #Safari7s in Machakos #rugbyisourpassion #RugbyKE #rugby pic.twitter.com/3SKe4P90Se

— Scrummage Africa (@Scrummageafrica) October 11, 2024

Zimbabwe rounded out the opening round by beating Varsity Select 21-7. Varsity struck first through Clinton Amukwachi, with Samuel Owino converting from a tight angle for a 7-0 lead.

Zimbabwe equalized before halftime with Trevo Gurwe’s try, and despite Amukwachi’s sin-binning, the teams went into the break tied 7-7.

In the second half, Gurwe added another converted try, and Zimbabwe sealed the win with a third try, ending the match 21-7.