NAIROBI, Kenya, June 28- Veteran warhorse Humphrey Kayange starred as Kenya got their 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens campaign to the brightest of starts by stuffing minnows Philippines 45-5.
The result saw Mike Friday’s side seize the initiative in Pool C after rivals Samoa edged fellow Africans Zimbabwe 21-14 in a close encounter in the tournament opener at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia.,
Oscar Ouma raced away to score the first try for Kenya, converted by Biko Adema for a 7-0 lead before Felix Ayange crossed the whitewash for the second with the latter’s boot once again coming true for a 14-0 lead.
With Shujaa coasting to the break, Gareth Holgate, made history for the rank outsiders when he held-off Biko Adema to force a try for a 14-5 half-time lead.
Friday asked his charges to be more composed on the ball and aim for the flanks during the breather and upon resumption, the fourth finishers from Dubai four years ago turned on the screw propelled by their veteran record try scorer.
A quick brace of converted tries from Kayenge put Kenya out to a comfortable 28-5 lead before his younger brother, Collins Injera, Ayange with his second and Eden Ogello completed the rout.
The Pinos however, celebrated a momentous occasion in their country’s sporting folklore as the first team to represent their nation at a World event
Earlier, Samoa edged fellow African contenders, Zimbabwe 21-14 in the opening match of the event.
Zimbabwe were the first scorers of the RWC7s 2013 after the Cheetahs turned the ball over and captain Jacques Leitao sprinted away to score. Tangai Nemadire landed the conversion for a shock 7-0 lead.
Samoa hit back through a try to Alastasi Tupou, converted by Lolo Lui, to make it 7-all.
But right on half time Gardener Nechironga put through a clever grubber to score for the Cheetahs.
The conversion by Nemadire was good and Zimbabwe led Samoa 14-7 at half time.
However, converted tries to Afa Aiono and Faatonia Autagavia put Samoa up 21-14 with three minutes remaining for the final score although Fortune Chipendu raced away for Zimbabwe to try and score the leveller but he was brought down in a try saving tackle by Samoa.