Saturday 10th February 2007
England 26
Kenya 14
Reigning USA Sevens champions England started well in the defence of their title on day one of the San Diego Sevens today. Two tries from Redruth and Gloucester’s Rob Thirlby helped England to a comfortable 26 14 win in their first pool game.
England started by well maintaining possession and despite some big hits by the strong Kenyans Rob Thirlby managed to score in the third minute, running three quarters of the length of the pitch to touch down.
England’s second try came from one of only two remaining members of last year’s USA Sevens winning squad, Andy Vilk (Sale Sharks). He received a great pass from Thirlby and managed to score under the posts. Thirlby scored his second with four minutes gone coming from a scrum in the Kenyan half.
Captain Simon Amor stopped Kenya from scoring just at the break, and with two successful conversions from Amor, playing in his 40th tournament for England, England led reasonably comfortably at the break 19 0.
Early in the second half Rob Thirlby was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock on meaning England had just six men. Kenya capitalised on their opportunity and Innocent Simiyu scored.
David Smith (Northampton Saints), playing in only his second IRB Sevens tournament, then came on for Thirlby, and helped prevent another Kenyan try in the fifth minute.
Some great attacking play from Bristol’s Danny Gray and replacement Dominic Shabbo (London Irish) led to another try for England, touched down by Shabbo.
In the last play of the match, Kenya seized an opportunity and Simiyu scored his second try of the game with a run the length of the pitch.
Speaking after the game England Sevens Coach Ben Ryan said, “The first game is always a bit of a blow out and the Kenyans are a physical side. We were in command of that game which is pleasing. We have lots to work on still and need to be much sharper as we move through the day, but I am pleased to have the first win under our belts. Kenya are a dangerous team and I am sure they will knock over a big side before long. I am just glad it wasn’t us!”
England face USA at 13.06 (21.06 GMT).
England –
Tries: Thirlby (2), Vilk, Shabbo
Conversions: Amor (3)
Kenya –
Tries: Simiyu (2)
Conversions: Asego
England: Simon Amor, captain (London Wasps), Danny Gray (Bristol Rugby), Michael Hills (Sale Sharks), Nils Mordt (London Irish), Anthony Roques (Exeter Chiefs), Rob Thirlby (Redruth / Gloucester), Andy Vilk (Sale Sharks)
Reps: Mark Foster (Gloucester), Dominic Shabbo (London Irish), David Smith (Northampton Saints).
Not used: Charlie Amesbury (NEC Harlequins), John Brake (Northampton Saints)
Kenya: Dennis Mwanja, Allan Onyango, Innocent Simiyu, Peter Ocholla, Lavin Asego, Sidney Ashioya, Benedict Nyambu
Reps: From: Felix Clement Ochieng, Victor Oduor, Humphrey Kayange, Dan Nyongesa Weku, Brian Nyikuli
Referee: Phil Smith (CAN)
Ends. |
