Morans roar to Safari Sevens glory after final upset

Bernard Ndong at RFUEA, Nairobi

Kenya Morans pulled off a a 19-14 shock victory over World Sevens Series core side South Africa to lift the Safari Sevens title at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on Sunday.

The Kenyan second string side had a roaring start when Geoffrey Okwach scored the first try, a minute into the game when he showed a clean pair of heels for the hosts opening points.

Johnston Olindi added the extras for a 7-0 score. It was a frenetic two minutes after as South Africa threatened to restore parity but they were adjudged to have caused an infringement.

After the ensuing penalty, Kenya stretched the lead with captain Geoffrey Oluoch leading by example for Morans second try. Olindi missed the resultant conversion.

Moran’s rushed defense proved a menace for the South Africans’ attack as they struggled to find a response. Shujaa retook possession and Alvin Otieno powered his way for Kenya’s third try.

Olindi converted successfully for a 19-0 advantage at the interval. Kenya dominated possession in the second half but the Blitzbokke got a consolation as Mngandi Luyanda scored their first try.

Darren Adonis added the conversion for a 19-7 score a lapse in concentration allowed the South Africans to score with Hufke Cameron scoring the Blitzbokkes second try in the closing stages of the game.

He converted it but the buzzer had already rung in the distance and Morans were crowned champions.