Rugby: Ireland claim first sevens victory

Ireland have claimed their first victory of the Sevens World Cup with a comfortable 31-10 success over Kenya.

Ireland have claimed their first victory of the Sevens World Cup with a comfortable 31-10 success over Kenya.

The victory keeps them in the hunt for a place in the knock-out stages of the secondary competition - the Plate.

Skipper Topping opened the scoring for his side with Blackrock's James Ferris adding the conversion.

But then Ireland were pegged back by a score from Felix Clement Ochieng.

However, Derek Hegarty broke clear down the left-wing to increase the lead before the interval, then Ferris got in on the try scoring act in the second half.

Ochieng responded with a 35-metres burst for his second but within a few seconds Topping grabbed his second of the game with Old Belvedere's Andrew Dunne converting.

Newport's Matt Mostyn, one of two full internationals in the team, sealed victory in injury-time for the Irish - who now face Korea, Argentina and Russia.

Ireland team Manager Kurt McQuilkin said: "It is good to get a win and the guys got their confidence back after the Fijian game.

"If anybody had offered me one win from two at the start of the day I'd have accepted it. We are still on course for the plate competition which was our aim.

"But Saturday is the big day for us with three games and Korea showed against Argentina that they will be very difficult. I think we will have to be a bit more physical with them."

The Koreans shocked the hosts by taking an early lead, but Argentina hit-back to win 27-14 with Felipe Contepomi - aided by Bristol clubmate Agustin Pichot - again among the scorers.

more courts articles

Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody
Football fan given banning order after mocking Munich air disaster Football fan given banning order after mocking Munich air disaster
Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother

More in this section

Scott Bemand speaks to the team huddle after the game 20/4/2024 Ireland moving on from Twickenham horror show and eying up World Cup qualification
Leinster v Toulouse - Heineken Champions Cup Semi-Final Leinster confident Ringrose and Keenan will be fit for Champions Cup semi-final
Paul O'Connell: 'We’re nowhere near our ceiling' Paul O'Connell: 'We’re nowhere near our ceiling'
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited