Reinvigorated Shujaa hold World Champions Australia

The national men's sevens side, Shujaa put their off field issues behind them by claiming a hard fought 19-19 draw against reining HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series champions Australia in their opening Pool A clash.

Speaking after the match, a visibly exasperated Nelson Oyoo was impressed with the result after a week-long off field drama where two players went public to ask for donations following three months without allowances.

“We are glad to get this result against Australia especially after putting behind what has been happening back at home. We are fully focused on our pool and we hope that we can make it into the top two,” said Oyoo.

Buoyed after Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba settled their three months outstanding allowances, Shujaa commenced the game like a house on fire and took only two minutes to land the game’s first try through Herman Humwa who ploughed through the try line using sheer power.

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Shujaa continued to press their foot on the gas as Billy Odhiambo went on a lung bursting run to touch down and stun Australia with an early 14-0 lead as Anthony Omondi’s kicking was spot on with the conversions.

The Aussies were not prepared to go down without a fight as they pulled one back through Josh Turner after Henry Hutchison gathered straight from the restart to slice open the Shujaa defense to go into the break trailing 14-7.

The reigning Hong Kong 7s champions picked up from where they left from in the first half as Henry Paterson levelled things after intercepting a careless pass from one of the Shujaa players.

Kenya however showed resolve to regain the lead when Willy Ambaka beat his man on the byline and showed a clean pair of heels to touch the ball down but the crucial conversion was missed.

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Australia who have acquired the knack of coming from behind to win games came close to sealing all three points when Maurice Longbottom slalomed his way to make a try but he missed the conversion to leave the scoreboard level at 19-19.

Shujaa withered a late storm from Australia to force a draw and pick up their first Pool point in the series this season.