Chipu whip Namibia in Barthes trophy opener

KENYA U20 rugby side Chipu on Saturday started their 2024 Barthes trophy tournament in winning form as they dodged a tricky Namibian side to win 34-28 at the Old Georgians Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Patrick Wainaina drilled in a penalty in the opening exchanges to record Kenya's first points on board but Namibia quickly made amends with a penalty of their own to level things up.

Former Chipu's captain Michael Wamalwa moments later went over the whitewash for Kenya's opening try of the game but Wainaina missed the extras.

Having established some rhythm in the game, Eugene Etale landed another try for Chipu with James Olela successfully converting for a 15-3 lead.

Namibia got a chance to reduce the deficit through a penalty kick but extended their lead as Eugene Ojiambo pounced on a loose ball to score Kenya's third try.

James Olela made amends after missing the conversion to drill in a penalty kick just before half time as Kenya headed to the break leading 23-6.

Namibia were the quickest off the blocks in the second half and their efforts instantly paid off as they landed their first try of the game.

Kenya's James Olela was in fine form with his boots as he laced in another penalty kick with Namibia answering with a second unconverted try.

Namibia ramped up the pressure and forced Kenya into a series of errors and they capitalized scoring another try to make it a three point game.

The two teams traded penalty kicks and tries, with Kenya managing a try in the final moments to run out 34-28 winners in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Kenya next face Tunisia on Wednesday April 24 at the same Old Georgians Sports Club. -