The Kenya XV were in dominant form against the hosts Madagascar, putting a total of 6 tries and 2 conversions for a 34-0 result.
The much changed side was in ruthless form in the first half, charging to a 12-0 lead inside the opening ten minutes. Ronnie Mwenesi opened the account for the Lions with his first of three off a Maul. Kenya were dominant in the forwards, making life hard for the Makis in every set piece, a theme that would be upheld through out this game.
Joshua Chisanga would land Kenya’s second try from a scrum with Andola converting for a 12-0 score. Humphrey Kayange would intercept a Madagascar pass to go over for the side’s third try, as Ronnie Mwenesi completed his hat trick off two mauls for a 27-0 half time score.
It was all Kenya in the first half, with only themselves to blame for not being further ahead at the break.
The second half was muted, with Kenya letting some guilt edged chances slip. Madagascar were putting together some brilliant open play phases but with little success, eventually running into the Kenyan defence that was doing great to hold them up in possession.
The half wore on with Kenya dominating all facets of play but failing to score, as the steam seemingly ran out. The frustration was getting to the Makis side as they started to scuffle the Kenyans at every opportunity. Dennis Muhanji would be sent to the bin alongside a Madagascar player, as a result of one of those scuffles.
Play would become less structured from this point, with the sides committing elementary errors perhaps as a result of fatigue. Kenya would win a penalty off a ruck, Ken Andola kicking for the line out and landing the side inside the Madagascar 22.
As they had done in the first half, Oliver Mang’eni gathered from the line out to set up a maul. Joshua Chisanga going over for his brace and Kenya’s first try in the second half, Lyle Asiligwa adding the extras for a 34-0 score.
Madagascar would end the match with 14 men, as one of their players saw red for biting in the maul that resulted in Kenya’s last try. There was little time left to add on to the score, the final whistle going for a 34-0 result.
That win sees the Lions charge to the top of the standings on 10 points, 4 ahead of Zimbabwe who lost 20-24 earlier to Namibia. The Namibians hold third spot on 5 points, with Madagascar bottom on 1 point.
Sunday will see the last round of Matches, starting with Kenya taking on Zimbabwe at 1pm, then Namibia tackling the hosts at 3 pm. As it stands any of the top three can still qualify, Kenya need to earn two bonus points at the very least to book their ticket to England. Or rather beat Zimbabwe by any score.
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!!
