Sevens setback for England

Published: Sunday, 22. May, 2011 in category Northern Hemishere
Gollings: Crossed over against Kenya

Lavin Asego's late try condemned England to a Shield semi-final tie against Canada and left their HSBC Sevens World Series rivals New Zealand on the brink of the overall title.

New Zealand duly wrapped up a ninth global crown in 12 years by beating Argentina in the cup quarter-finals, making sure of at least 16 series points and putting them beyond the reach of the chasing pack of England, Samoa and South Africa.

England's surprise defeat meant they were left playing for pride in the final two games after they had appeared to be in complete control against Kenya.

Ben Gollings' opportunist try down the left was followed by the captain's involvement in James Rodwell's well-taken score and Dan Norton touched down his fifth of the tournament under the posts shortly before half time with Gollings' conversion opening up a 17-0 lead.

Oscar Ouma and veteran Collins Injera struck back to narrow the gap to 17-12 but England were pressing late in the game only for playmaker Asego to break away and snatch a win with the final play of the game.