Kenya Beats Samoa to Win Las Vegas Challenge Trophy

Kenya Sevens (Shujaa) claimed the Challenge trophy for the second time this year after seeing off Samoa in the Challenge final of the 2017 USA Sevens.

In the most heavily anticipated consolation bracket final, Kenya struck first through career-try record holder, Collins Injera with Samuel Oliech adding to the conversion. A second converted first-half try put Kenya in front at 14–0.

Tila Mealoi opened the scoring for Samoa and got his second try moments later after his team won the restart kick then Mealoi – from a pass – chipped the ball over the defense and chased it for the score after which, he converted his own try and reset the match.

With a minute and a half remaining, Samoa kicked for a lineout but a penalty awarded to Kenya a few seconds later, gave the ball back to team captain Andrew Amonde who broke three arm-tackles to score under the post.

Oliech’s conversion gave Kenya a satisfactory advantage in regulation time to seal the win at 21-14.

Featured photo: Kenya 7s players celebrate lifting HSBC Wellington Sevens Challenge Trophy (Bowl) after beating Australia on January 29, 2017. (WORLD RUGBY)