Lady Rugby Cranes win Masaku 7s

Final Results Women
Uganda Gazelles 38 Uganda Hippos 7

The Lady Rugby Cranes 7s defeated Lady Hippos 38-7 to emerge champions of the 2016 Kenya Masaku International 7s.

The Nile Special USPA female Rugby Player of the Samiya Ayikoru, managed three tries, Emmanuella Oroma also managed two tries, Grace Auma had a try and Charlotte Mudoola four conversions to hand the senior side a sweet victory over the weekend.

To reach the finals, Uganda Hippos eliminated Kenya Hitlers 24-14 while the Lady Cranes saw off Kenya Dragons 46-5 in the semi-finals.

Helen Buteme, the Uganda Women Rugby Association secretary believes that the Rugby Cranes can qualify for both the Olympics and the women World Cup if well-funded and given more exposure.

"What we want is more funding to open up the north and eastern regions so that we can tap into those talents," Buteme said.

"Our focus is the 2020 Olympics and if we have funds, we can have enough exposure by playing so many tournaments like this one which builds the girls' confidence," Buteme stated.

The Lady Cranes had players like Harriet Kayonjo, Samiya Ayikoru, Aisha Nakityo, Brenda Kayiyi, Charlotte Mudoola, Emma Oroma Gilder "Azio" Azikuru, Grace Auma and Peace Wokorach.

The Uganda Hippos had Emilly Lekuru, Peace Mirembe, Angel Apio, Clare Anena, Florence Atieno, Frank Lanyero, Irene Nzige, Mercy Auma, Ritta Nanduga and Rehema Aboke.

UWRA boss Irene Namapii believes that by taking the teams to such tournament is one way of building strength and helping the technical team identify the best players for the national teams.