Advantage Uganda in Elgon Cup

By Johnson Were

Elgon Cup

U-19

Uganda 15 Kenya 10

Man of the Match: Alhajji Manano

Senior Men

Uganda 21 Kenya 14

Man of the Match: Solomon Okias

Women

Uganda 15 Kenya 33 

DESPITE being highly ranked on the IRB Chart, Kenya lost to Uganda in both the U-19 and senior men’s matches in the rugby Elgon Cup first leg played at Kyadondo Rugby Club on Saturday.

The U-19s team coached by Robert Sseguya and Denis Etuket kicked off the winning form as they defeated Kenya 15-10 in a bruising clash at 2pm.

Edrine Kayima scored two tries while Adrian Kasito added a penalty and conversion as the junior Rugby Cranes earned a narrow victory against their neighbours.

“We are focused, we know the margin is small but a win is always a win and it’s good we shall start the second leg with a 5 point advantage,” man of the match Alhajji Manano stated.

In the main game the Rugby Cranes put up a spirited fight to beat Kenya 21-14 heading to the second leg next Saturday with a 7 point advantage.

Kevin Makmot scored three penalties and a conversion while Bishop Onen scored a try. Uganda was also awarded a penalty try to give the Rugby Cranes the victory.

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Uganda's Christine Kizito tries to escape the Kenyans during the bruising encounter for the home side. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

Kevin Omiyo, Nato Simiyu managed a try each for Kenya and Isaac Adimo added two conversions.

Rugby Cranes coach Peter Magona believes that his boys can put up good show in Kenya and said the win is a good boost for his charges.

“We don’t care whether it’s Kenya A or B, we are aware that we have defeated Kenya and our focus is how we consolidate on our win to reclaim the Elgon Cup,” Magona stated.

Ladies fall

The Lady Rugby Cranes’ hopes of retaining the Elgon Cup were shattered as they were whipped 33-15 on home turf making it nearly impossible for them to recover the 18 point deficit in the return leg.

Fortunate Irankunda managed two tries while Evelyn Aweko added a try but it was not enough to tame the Kenyans who were much fitter and conditioned.

The second leg of the Elgon Cup is on Saturday July 19, in Nairobi.