Shujaa retained the Safari Sevens title with a 19-0 demolition of Samurai at the RFUEA ground on Sunday.
Speed star Patrick Odongo opened the scoring with a searing burst of pace to beat his defenders and open the scoring with vice-captain Tony Onyango, adding the extras for a 7-0 lead.
The Africa Sevens champions should have added to their tally but were denied twice by valiant defence by Samurai, first Odongo was tackled metres short of the line, and then seconds later John Okoth was tackled into touch as the hosts led 7-0 at the interval.
On resumption, Shujaa continued with the onslaught and it came as no surprise when burly forward Kevin Wekesa touched down for an unconverted try and a 12-0 lead.
Matters went from bad to worse for the visitors when Tom Roach was sent to the sin bin for an infringement and two minutes later, Flavian Makali followed suit for tackling a player airborne to leave Samurai with only five players and a mountain to climb in the final.
Shujaa capitalised on the two-man advantage with Odongo scoring his second try to seal the contest with Tony Onyango converting. The visitors rallied in the closing stages but it proved too little, too late as Kenya held on for the win.
Shujaa had been given a scare in the semis when they rallied from 5-0 deficit to defeat Germany 19-5 with skipper Vincent Onyala scoring twice and Onyango adding the third.
Head coach Kevin Wambua was delighted with the performance of his charges especially in the final.
“The boys showed a lot of energy and we dominated the set pieces. We also played in the right areas and we did not allow Samurai to get into rhythm. I thank the home support which cheered us in every match,” added Wambua.
Onyala said resilience and hard work of the team paid off. “We had to stay patient and be clinical when the opportunities presented themselves and we are getting better with every tournament,” noted Onyala.
The KCB stalwart said the side also mustered the wet and slippery conditions over the two days.
“The weather has not been ideal but we were well prepared for any eventuality,” observed Onyala.
In the second semi, Samurai edged Uganda 21-19 in a pulsating contest. Morans’ finished fifth by beating KCB 26-0 and earned a small measure of revenge after losing to the bankers 22-7 in the pool stage on Saturday.
In the women’s category, Uganda stunned Kenya 15-12 in a pulsating final to end a 10-match losing streak . The Lionesses second string side Cubs took the bronze medal with a 31-7 win over Tropics Sevens team.
The tournament was attended by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba among a host of other dignitaries.
