Under 18s prove no match for bigger Namibian forwards in Harare

Kenya lost 39-11 to Namibia in the Confederation of African rugby under 18 tournament in Harare on Wednesday.

Kenya who lost 13-10 to Zimbabwe on Saturday were outplayed by the bigger Namibian forwards who dominated the collisions and breakdown during the encounter in the Zimbabwean capital. Deslee Beukes, Romario Feris, Curtley Murorua, Petrus Pretorius scored a try each with Immo Dresselhaus scoring a brace. Murorua kicked over two conversions and a penalty.

Kenya replied through Robert Aringo and Martin Muita with two penalties and trailed 20-3 at the interval.

Namibia, who were runners-up last year after losing the final to Zimbabwe for the third consecutive time, are determined to break the jinx this time around and hope to represent the continent at the elusive Junior World Cup in Chile next year. Kenya coach Pablo Murunga said the team was outplayed in the forwards by the Namibians as they were heavier and had good technique.

"We were outplayed by Namibia in the forwards we were competitive in the backs but forwards create the platform for you to win the match and we struggled," added Murunga Kenya are scheduled to play Tunisia in their final match tomorrow. Meanwhile the second edition of the Kenya Rugby Elliptic Awards Gala will be held on September 8 at the Pride Inn in Westlands.

The gala that is hosted by Kenyan rugby fans through the Ministry of Rugby gives rugby fans an opportunity to reward their own selected nominees and winners in the various categories. The event was last held in 2010 and has the full blessings of the rugby Union.

During the gala dinner, there will be presentation of awards to individuals and organisations that have participated in contributing to the excellence, commitment and love of rugby.

The Awards Gala covers all facets of rugby including the administration in which the fans get an opportunity to reward the administrators of the game.