A 51-13 win over Madagascar saw Kenya reach the final at the Barthes U20 Trophy South at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia on Wednesday 28 March 2018.
Th will face Namibia on Saturday 31 March after the hosts defeated Zimbabwe 27-17 in the other semifinal at the same venue.The winner of this match will then proceed to meet the North zone winner for Africa’s sole berth at the 2018 Junior World Rugby Trophy.
Chipu drew first blood through a Mark Mutuku try with Xavier Kipng’etich adding the twos. A penalty against Kenya in the eleventh minute saw Madagascar opt for the three points that Raicoto Niaina drilled in narrowing the gap to 7-3. Monate Akuei landed Chipu’s second try, Kipng’etich sure with his boot extended their lead to 14-3. The lead was however short lived as Madagascar split Chipu’s defense landing their first and only try in the match with the conversion being successful. Scoreboard now reading 14-10 in Chipu’s favour.
A loose Madagascar ball was picked up by the very tall Zeden Marrow who passed it to teammate Kipng’etich to land Chipu’s third try but the conversion would be short. Nine minutes to the breather, eighth man Mark Mutuku landed his brace at the corner, conversion sailing wide. Half Time scores 24-10.
Second half, a Chipu infringement saw them soak in a second penalty as Madagascar added three points to their tally. Captain Kipng’etich added ten points for his side as he booted in a penalty, scored a try and converted it taking Chipu’s score to 34-13.
The second half was dominated by Chipu as they went on to add two more tries as Jeff Mutuku (Mark Mutuku’s younger brother) landed his first try in the match that was quickly followed by a Victor Matiko try. Joshua Macharia converting both. Chipu were now ahead having registered a total of 48 points while they conceded.
In the last play, Chipu’s attacking pace was slowed down by the Madagascan defense, who though relentless, soaked in a penalty that saw Chipu opt for the three points to walk away with a strong 51-13 win over their opponents.
