Lionesses reach Challenger Series quarterfinal

The Kenya Lionesses cruised to the quarterfinals of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series after winning all their Pool D encounters on Friday and Saturday in Santiago, Chile.

Dennis Mwanja’s charges started with a 17-15 win over China, a game in which Grace Okulu, Naomi Amuguni and Jean Simiyu all touched down with Okulu adding a conversion. The Chinese scored three unconverted tries through M.Yan, X.Liu and X. Wang.

Up next was a clash against continental rivals South Africa, the Lionesses claiming this one 31-5 to secure their place in the last eight with a game to spare.

Captain Judith Auma and Okulu landed two tries apiece with Janet Okello adding one as Okulu drilled home three conversions.  L.Lategan scored South Africa’s solitary try.

The third match was tight, the Lionesses rallying from a 0-5 half time deficit to defeat hosts Chile 15-5.  

G.Castenada scored an unconverted try for Chile before Okello scored a brace in between Stellah Wafula’s try.

The Lionesses face Argentina in the quarterfinal at 12.25am on Sunday morning.