Shujaa finish eighth in season opening Dubai 7s

The men's national rugby 7s side, Shujaa, have finished the season opening Dubai Sevens in eighth place after the Innocent 'Namcos' Simiyu coached side were thumped 29-7 by Ireland in the 7th/8th playoff match.

Having been outclassed in the fifth place semifinal match against Great Britain, Shujaa would have been hoping to finish the tournament on a high in their last game. That was however not to be as Ireland went on to win the game after inspired play from Terry Kennedy, who bagged a hat trick of tries, helped rip apart the tired Kenyans.

Shujaa to fight for 7th place playoff after lethargic display in Great Britain defeat

It was a one sided contest in the first half as the Irish men layed siege from the word go. Kennedy continuing with his impressive displays in the tournament as he bagged a first half brace with Aaron O’Sullivan adding a third try in between his two efforts to give Ireland a 19-0 half time lead.

Kennedy then wrapped up his hat trick three minutes upon the second half resumption before Herman Humwa managed to score Kenya’s only try in the game after a clean line break that took out the Irish and reduced the deficit to 19-7 after Tony Omondi successfully converted.

Spirited Shujaa knocked out of main cup contention by Fiji

With the full time hooter well sounded, Ed Kelly added a final try that took the team’s win to 29-7 after the conversion attempt was missed. Ireland finishing in seventh and Shujaa eighth.

Shujaa now shift their focus to the second Series outing that will still take place in Dubai next weekend 3-4 December.

Shujaa Dubai 7s results

Day 1 Results

Kenya 7 USA 14

Kenya 17 Argentina 22

Kenya 26 Spain 12

Day 2 Results

Fiji 19-5 Kenya (Quarter Final)

Great Britain 33-5 Kenya (5th place semifinal)

Ireland 29-7 Kenya