Saturday 11th February 2006

England 26
Kenya 5

England played well to keep the Kenyans at bay in Los Angeles today, beating them 26-5.  England were forced to play with just six men in the final minutes of the match when  an injury to Will Matthews (Gloucester) forced him to retire, and all three of England’s substitutes were already on the field.

England started well with a try by Dave Seymour (Saracens), closely followed by a second by Luke Narraway (Gloucester).  Danny Care, the 19 year old scrum half from Leeds, successfully converted both tries.

Kenya looked strong in attack but England defended well and Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons) scored England’s third try for England before the break.

Will Matthews replaced Narraway at half time and England extended their lead early in the second half with a try from David Strettle (Rotherham). 

Allan Makaka of Kenya was then sent to the sin bin meaning England had a one man advantage on the field. Ollie Phillips (Newcastle Falcons) and Dan Luger came on to relieve Nils Mordt (London Irish) and David Strettle) but just moments later, Matthews was forced to retire from the field.

The Kenyans made the most of the unusual circumstances and fought back finally scoring a try (Dennis Mwanja) which they failed to convert, meaning England won the match 26 5. 

England face USA next in the pool stages at 15.18 local (11.18pm GMT).

Scorers:
England: Tries – Seymour, Narraway, Tait, Strettle
Conversions – Care (3)

Kenya: Try - Mwanja

England:
Luke Narraway (Gloucester), Nils Mordt (London Irish), Dave Seymour (Saracens), Danny Care (Leeds Tykes), Henry Paul (Gloucester) Captain, Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons), David Strettle (Rotherham)
Replacements: Will Matthews (Gloucester), Ollie Phillips (Newcastle Falcons), Dan Luger
Replacements not used: Ben Gollings, Andy Vilk (Northampton Saints)

Kenya:
From Felix Clement, Peter Claver Abuoga, Dennis Mwanja, Victor Sudi Simiyu, Patrick Onyango, Allan Makak, Brian Nyikuli, Allan Onyango, Gibson Weru Kathuthia, Lavin Asego, Sidney Ashioya, Peter Ocholla

Ends.