Kenya Lionesses lose to Russia in Madrid 7s opener

New Zealand's Theresa Fitzpatrick (R) leaps over Kenya's defenders to score a try in their women's rugby sevens match at the Robina Stadium at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast on April 13, 2018. [AFP PHOTO]

Kenya Lionesses kick-started their Madrid 7s campaign on a low after losing 43-0 to Russia in a match played on Saturday afternoon.

Russian Elena Zdrokova scored three first-half tries before adding a fourth in the second half to inspire the Asians to a massive opening win in the Madrid tourney.

The Russians began on a high with Zdrokova giving her side an early by touching down at the right corner.

She added another try at the left corner for a 12-0 lead for the Russians with the conversion going wide.

Kenya’s first attempt to go forward was cut short with their opponents stealing an offload and Zdrokova was set up to complete her hat trick that saw her side extended the lead to 19-0 heading to the break.

In the second half, the Russians picked from where they left forcing Kenya to defend more.

Russia would score four more tries as they handed Kenya a 43-0 defeat in Spain.

Kenya Lionesses will be back in action for a clash against USA at 4.38pm East African Time.

Lionesses Starting Squad

Phil Orlando

Camilla Cynthia

Sheila Chajira

Janet Okello

Chris Lindo

Celestine Masinde