WALES avoided a nightmare first day in the HSBC Sevens World Series in Dubai after edging out Kenya in their final group game.

The draw looked tough for Gareth Williams' team and so it proved with the English and Aussies ending their hopes of qualifying for the cup in the morning session.

England, who were fourth in the last season's world rankings, eased to a 26-5 victory with Wales' sole score coming at the death through Scarlets winger Jordan Williams and the next fixture was the stuff of nightmare with the Aussies romping to a seven-try, 43-0 success.

They needed a response in their final encounter against Kenya and they got it thanks to a score by Newport number eight Sam Cross after a neat break by Dragons fly-half Angus O'Brien, who added the extras, and another by Cardiff Blues back rower Ben Roach.

The 12-10 success was only good enough for third place in the group and they will face Canada in the Bowl quarter-finals.

Wales Women will head home from Dubai with some silverware after winning the plate competition at the International Invitation tournament.