Safari 7s: Morans wallop Western Province in Pool B, Lady Cranes pipped

Kenya Morans started their campaign on a high note following a 24-0 victory over Western Province Select.

The Morans, who finished the 2021 edition in third position following a 12-5 win over the Red Wailers, were determined to see off their opponents in Pool B to better their rankings.

Meanwhile in a later contest at the same venue, Kenya Lionesses picked up from where they left off in their first match against TUKS women by seeing off Uganda Lady Cranes 12-5 in the closely contested match played at the RFUEA Grounds.

The fierce Lionesses were coming from an impressive 50-0 win in their opening match but made basic errors that cost them during the second match.

At the same time, Kenya Lionesses' second team; the Cubs heaped a 32-0 misery on TUKS women.

Kenya Lionesses power past TUKS women in Safari 7s opener

Morans win over Western Province Select.

Morans managed their opening two tries through the fleet-footed Floyd Wabwire, but saw two kicks missed by Nondies RFC playmaker Benson Salem who seemed to be under the weather.

Salem however charged up quickly as his fellow halfback Ronnie Omondi set him up for his first five-pointer for the tournament. He converted his try to see Morans lead at 17-0.

Minutes later, it was Gabriel Ayimba sending the crowds wild as he almost went over with his first try. He however hurt his ball and visibly hurt his shoulder.

Following that, Western Province enjoyed a minute of possession before the Morans came back with a final try through Austine Sikutwa.

Mawia, Chepkwony chase Sunday wins in Cross Internacional de Soria

Salem was sure with the conversion to see the full-time scores at 24-0.

Elvis Olukusi, an experienced KCB Rugby lock who captained the Morans said that their well-organized set-pieces won them the match. Olukusi was also fresh from celebrating his birthday.

"We were good in kickoffs, nice clean balls, and we contested the ball. This win means a lot. We have been giving our all during training," Olukusi offered.

In the following match, 2023 National 7s Circuit defending champions KCB Rugby went down 17-5 to Samurai in their opening match.

The Bankers scored their sole try through Elvis Namusasi. They will be keen to bounce back when they take on Germany later in the day.

Speaking after the match, KCB Rugby tactician Mariko Mshila blamed the loss on 'schoolboy' mistakes. The match was characterized by lots of knock-ons, probably due to the wet RFUEA Grounds.

"We played well, but we became victims of our own mistakes. We did well, although we made some schoolboy mistakes that cost us. We shift focus to our match against Germany," Mshila said.

The men's category will resume with a match pitting Shujaa and South Africa All Stars.

Round one collated results

Uganda 38-0Tropic 7s

Lionesses 52-0 Tuks

Red Wailers 14-12 Tropic 7s

Uganda 35 - 0 SA All Stars

Morans 24-0 Western Province

Samurai 17-5 KCB Rugby

Lionesses Cubs 32-0 TUKS

Kenya Lionesses 12-5 Uganda