Kenya Lionesses crush Madagascar in commanding test match performance

The women’s national rugby 15s side Kenya Lionesses shook off early jitters to comeback from behind and thrash Madagascar.

Kenya Lionesses proved too hot to handle for Madagscar when they faced off in a test match at the RFUEA grounds on Friday, September 20, thrashing the Island nation 63-19.

The Lionesses threatened early on with Sinaida Mokaya making a break for the try-line but was brought down by Madagascar’s Claudia Rasoarimalala before she could score the try.

Overall circuit leaders Kenya Harlequin and their closest challengers Kabras Sugar have sealed main cup quarter-final slots at the Prinsloo 7s which marks the final outing of the campaign.

Madagascar responded with an attack of their own, stringing together a beautiful passage of play through a set of off-loads to score their first try through Zouanah Fanantenana.

The Kenya Lionesses responded well with Stella Wafula after Grace Okulu laid off a beautiful pass to Stella Wafula to score the Lionesses first try of the match.

The Lionesses soon imposed themselves on the match, their physicality proving too much for the Malagasy as they won a scrum to take the lead in the match.

It was the Lionesses’ show from there on as Mokaya’s well measured kick dropped brilliantly For Freshia Oduor who was on the chase to score Kenya’s third try of the game and put some gap between the two teams.

Harlequin are now in the driving seat to clinch the overall circuit title in the final leg set to take place in Nakuru next weekend.

The visiting team had some flicker of hope when Sophie Razarafiarisoa scored the Malagasy’s second try of the match but that was short-lived as the host responded with try of their own towards the end of the half.

Madagascar started the second half as they did the first half scoring the first try of the half and their third of the match through Vero Rasoanekena.

That would prove to be Madagascar’s only try of the half as the Lionesses took the game by the scruff through tries by Grcae Okulu, Stella Wafula and Sheila Chajira.

Mokaya dealt the finishing blow, pouncing on a bouncing ball and turning defence into attack before  commbining brilliantly with Freshia Oduor to score the final try.

The Lionesses who are out of the WXV looked to use the fixture to stay relevant and match fit as they gear-up for the Elgon cup.