adminPaul Munyuki in NELSPRUIT South Africa
Kenya Under-19 . . . . . . . . . . . (10) 29
Zimbabwe Under-19 . . . . . . . . (15) 20
ZIMBABWE’S Young Sables’ dreams of making the Junior World Rugby Trophy came to an end here yesterday after they surrendered a first half lead to suffer a 20-29 defeat to Kenya Under-19. It was a game of three parts that saw Kenya win the battle in the end as they dominated for more than 66 percent of the Junior Africa Cup semi-final while Zimbabwe played second fiddle for the greater part of the match at the Mbombela Stadium here yesterday.
Kenya were the first on the scoreboard and with 13 minutes on the clock they had taken a 10-0 lead but Zimbabwe recovered to go into the break with a five-point advantage after they scored three unanswered tries.
And the Young Sables were also the first to touch down in the second half extending their lead to 20-10, but that was the last of their scores as Kenya hit back with three tries, two of them converted to silence Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s points came from winger Lance Chikodzi (who scored a brace of tries), centre Mkululi Ndhlela and fullback Takudzwa Kumadiro while Kenya got their points from tries by centre Kevin Ochami’s brace.
Humphrey Mulamo, Alan Odiyo and Herman Humwa all chipped in with a try apiece while the two conversions also came from Odiyo.
Teams
Zimbabwe: Gabriel Spapati, Thulani Dhliwayo, Houghton Chachona, Michael Gazimbi (Kudakwashe Nhira, 65th minute), Andrew Mataga, Seb Rorche, Shepard Mhembere (Newton Tanyanyiwa, 53rd minute), Alva Senderayi (captain), Tinashe Gwisai (Sean Mwayera, 56th minute), Nyasha Chimedza, Lance Chikodzi, Malvern Maparura, Takudzwa Kumadiro, Bastion Mendelsohn, Mkululi Ndhlela,
Kenya: Meshack Tunechi, Peter Karia, Kevin Omoti, Herman Humwa, Brian Wandera, Nelson Mandela, Humphrey Mulama, Malcolm Onsando, Marlin Mukholwe, Allan Odiyo, Harrison Asena, Maxwell Kang’eri (Frank Wanyama 58th minute), Kevin Ochami, Felix Wamocho, Michael Wanjala.
Online Reporter