Junior Rugby Cranes set for stiffer test in performance division

 
Uganda's Rugby Junior side were crowned Africa U20 Barthes Cup Division One champions after a 27-12 defeat of Zambia at Muteesa II Memorial Stadium, Wankulukuku, on Tuesday.

The Junior Rugby Cranes beat their opponents 81-0 in the first leg, and Tuesday's 27-12 win cemented their victory in the 15s version of the sport.

The win elevated Uganda to the Performance Division next year, where they will meet Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, while Tunisia, who lost 12-38 to Zimbabwe, are relegated to Division One.

Uganda and Kenya celebrate winning the Barthes Cup in the Division One and Performance categories respectively at Muteesa II Memorial Stadium, Wankulukuku. Photo: Johnson Were

Coach Martial Tchumcam was impressed by the performance but added that there is a lot of work to do ahead of next year's competitions in the Performance Division.

"I am happy that we have moved a step up to the Performance Division, but we have a lot of work to do because many of these players will leave the team due to age," Tchumcam said.

Tchumcam attributed the low score to the many changes he made in the team, giving other players the opportunity to test the match.

A Ugandan player shoves off a Zambian opponent during the Africa U20 Barthes Cup Division One final at Muteesa II Memorial Stadium, Wankulukuku, on Tuesday. Photo: Johnson Were

Ambrose Ssebalijja, Bwayo John Tsekooko, and Prince Kakaire scored tries for Uganda.

In the Performance Division, Kenya Chipu beat defending champions Namibia 33-14 to emerge as champions of the U20 Barthes Cup for the fourth time.

The victory is testimony to Kenya's dominance of U20 rugby on the African continent as they look forward to the Junior World Cup next year.

Barthes Cup results

Division I

Uganda 27 Zambia 12 (Uganda wins on 108-12 aggregate)

Performance Division

Namibia 14 Kenya 33

Relegation game

Tunisia 12 Zimbabwe 38