Team Manager:           Wangilu Simiyu

Head Coach:                Ham Osando

Assistant Coach:        Yayiro Kasasa

Assistant Coach:        Micheal Tank Otieno

Selector:                       Paul Odera

Selector:                      Martin Kasasira

Rwenzori moved to the top of pool B edging defending champions Rhinos 17-15 while Victoria also edged Buffaoes 17-7 away in Mumias to revive their chances of a semi final qualification. 

Dimension Data Rwenzori 17      UAP Rhinos 15

DD Rwenzori BRSS Man of the Match

Rwenzori showed early intent camping at the Rhinos 22 as the visitors weathered the early pressure. Rwenzori were guilty of wasting many chances most notably wing Justin Kimono knocking on the ball, over the try line after a delightful chip from fly half Ambrose Kamanyire had him out pace Victor Sudi. A series of line breaks from Marvin Odong and Andrew Barasa had both players isolated with no support or the try went begging with handling errors. There was clearly some confusion as both jerseys clashed in color and as such the identification of team mates and referee’s vision was not clear. After constant pressure the try came for Rwenzori through flanker Steven Ogwete who scored his fourth try of the tournament. Kinene Anthony converted, Rwenzori 7 Rhinos 00.

At the restart Rhinos were still finding it hard to launch any meaningful attacks and not surprisingly succumbed to another try. Rwenzori scored off a scrum down in the Rhinos 22 when outstanding 8th man Marvin Odong picked on the blind dummied Victor Sudi and scored beautifully, making a difficult try look so easy. Anthony Kinene missed the conversion. This had been an area of concern as Anthony Kinene had already missed 2 penalties. The UAP Rhinos were getting frustrated and repeatedly infringed at the ruck resulting in one player sent off to the bin. Down to 14 men the Rhinos struck against the run of play after some aimless kicking from Rwenzori. The push over try was scored by Edwin Wakori. Eden Agero’s educated boot brought the scores to Rwenzori 12 Rhinos 07.

An infringement from Rwenzori was punished with another penalty slotted in by Eden Agero. Rwenzori 12, Rhinos 10. Calm heads failed to prevail with Rwenzori as they went into panic mode, kicking aimlessly for touch and a number of suspect decisions being made. The home side was eventually punished when they conceded another try on the overlap through Geoffrey Mbea.The conversion was missed and all of a sudden Rhinos were leading 15-12 with 10 minutes to go. Rwenzori pushed hard for a try as Rhinos defended desperately with some comical flaunting of the laws. Rhinos repeatedly and intentionally killed the ball and it is shocking the referee failed to penalize the Rhinos prop who had just returned from the sin bin. Eventually Rwenzori prop Brian Odong drove over for the try. Anthony Kinene, who had a terrible kicking game, missed the conversion. The game ended Rwenzori 17 Rhinos 15

Man of the match: Number 8, Marvin Odong of Rwenzori was potent in attack as he was resolute in defense. He also scored a sublime try and made a crucial try saving tackle.

Mumias Buffaloes 07       KCB Victoria 17

Victoria overcame an accommodation obstacle to still triumph against Buffaloes. The hosts booked Victoria in a hotel 70 KMs away from the match venue in Mumias!  The contest was evenly matched until the 25th minute when high school star Philip Wokorach scored a drop goal to give Victoria a 3 nil lead. 10 minutes later hooker Arthur Ngolobe scored a try that was converted by winger Philip Wokorach. Victoria 10 Buffaloes 00. Just before the half home side Western Buffaloes fought back with a try through outstanding flanker Brian Bango, which was converted by Bramwell Shikanda. Victoria 10 Buffaloes 07 was the half time score. The game was still finely poised at the re-start until flanker Roland Bahendeka broke for try that was duly converted by Philip Wokorach. Victoria 17 Buffaloes 07.

Buffaloes attacked desperately to get back into the game but a well marshaled Victoria line withstood all attacks to hang on for the win.
Man of the match: Asuman Mugerwa, the powerful Victoria prop was a colossus of a man. He was a handful for the Buffaloes defense with his bullocking ball carries and incredible work rate.

Going into match day 3 it will take a miracle for Victoria to qualify. They will need to win against a formidable Rwenzori side which is the easier part of the transaction and hope that the Rhinos who demolished them 46-09, lose to the Buffaloes in Nairobi. So for those with Calculators let us know what the margins need to be for Victoria to make the semis as the home derby happens this weekend at Kyadondo.

Match Day Two Collated Results:
Pool A:
SDV Transami Cheetahs 50 Coastal Bulls 10
Lions 15 Nguvu Sharks 8

Pool B:
Dimension Data Rwenzori 17 UAP Rhinos 15
Mumias Sugar Buffaloes 7 KCB Victoria 17

Dimension Data Rwenzori 43 Mumias Sugar Buffaloes 31

Coastal Bulls 6 Lions 45 UAP Rhinos 46 KCB Victoria 9

Rwenzori get a lackluster win against Buffaloes while a young Victoria side get a rude awakening from defending champions Rhinos in RFUEA Nairobi. The 10th edition of the Bamburi rugby super series kicked off with four matches taking place in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kampala on Saturday 5 May 2012. Dimension Data Rwenzori 43 Mumias Buffaloes 31 In Kampala, Dimension Data Rwenzori started their 2012 campaign with a 43-31 win over the Mumias Sugar Buffaloes.Rwenzori carried an imposing 33-10 half time lead before a tactical blunder by the coaches who made several substitutions at the break allowed Buffaloes fight back and keep the score respectable after the break. Man of the match flanker Steven Ogwete scored a hat trick of tries and he was joined in the try fest by Justin Kimono-2 tries, Timothy Kabonero, Solomon Mawanda and Marvin Odong UAP Rhinos 46 KCB Victoria 09 At a very soggy RFUEA pitch in Nairobi, a KCB Victoria side with many young debutants including High school sensation Philip Wokorach we over powered by defending Champions UAP Rhinos who won 46-09, after a 24-03 half time lead. Rhinos opened the scoring through wing Dennis Muhanji,with the conversion from fly half Eden Agero to lead 7-0.Agero slotted in another penalty to extend Rhinos lead to 10-00.Victori replied with a Phillip Wokorach penalty to bring the scores down to 10-03.Rhinos would extend their lead and seal a one sided Victory with tries from back rows Leslie Libasia,Brian Nyikuli-2, Edwin Makori,Dennis Abenga,Calvin Othieno and Chris Oduor.Victoria could only reply meekly with two further penalties from youngster Philip Wokorach.

Dimension Data Rwenzori 43 Mumias Sugar Buffaloes 31

Coastal Bulls 6 Lions 45

UAP Rhinos 46 KCB Victoria 9

Rwenzori Captain - Solomon Mawanda

Rwenzori get a lackluster win against Buffaloes while a young Victoria side get a rude awakening from defending champions Rhinos in RFUEA Nairobi.

The 10th edition of the Bamburi rugby super series kicked off with four matches taking place in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kampala on Saturday 5 May 2012.

Dimension Data Rwenzori 43 Mumias Buffaloes 31

In Kampala, Dimension Data Rwenzori started their 2012 campaign with a 43-31 win over the Mumias Sugar Buffaloes.Rwenzori carried an imposing 33-10 half time lead before a tactical blunder by the coaches who made several substitutions at the break allowed Buffaloes fight back and keep the score respectable after the break. Man of the match flanker Steven Ogwete scored a hat trick of tries and he was joined in the try fest by Justin Kimono-2 tries, Timothy Kabonero, Solomon Mawanda and Marvin Odong

UAP Rhinos 46 KCB Victoria 09

At a very soggy RFUEA pitch in Nairobi, a KCB Victoria side with many young debutants including High school sensation Philip Wokorach we over powered by defending Champions UAP Rhinos who won 46-09, after a 24-03 half time lead. Rhinos opened the scoring through wing Dennis Muhanji,with the conversion from fly half Eden Agero to lead 7-0.Agero slotted in another penalty to extend Rhinos lead to 10-00.Victori replied with a Phillip Wokorach penalty to bring the scores down to 10-03.Rhinos would extend their lead and seal a one sided Victory with tries from back rows Leslie Libasia,Brian Nyikuli-2, Edwin Makori,Dennis Abenga,Calvin Othieno and Chris Oduor.Victoria could only reply meekly with two further penalties from youngster Philip Wokorach.

p

Kenya:             Nairobi, 16^th June 2012

As Uganda celebrates its Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of Independence, rugby as a sport is also celebrating a Golden Jubilee in the Elgon Warriors. After 50 years, Kenya and Uganda rugby teams have re-united as the Elgon Warriors to welcome back their past imperial leaders’ touring team, represented by the England Counties rugby team, who will also be celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of our common wealth head: Queen Elizabeth.

The Elgon Warriors will comprise the best of the best of rugby players that featured for these two great nations in the just concluded Elgon cup that saw Uganda crowned Kings of Mount Elgon. It is this East Africa’s select XV that will face the England counties rugby team. The England counties in a nut shell can be referred to as the third national team in England, after the England national team and England Saxons. This is a team full of talent and depth, and if you know about English rugby and what it takes for a country like this to win a world cup, then we need say no more about how strong a team this is.

A highly experienced IRB 2011 world cup coach is tipped to head the select committee that will include both Kenyan and Ugandan representatives that will select the Elgon Warriors team. This will be a feast of rugby, full of fun and passion but most of all it will be to a great cause. The England counties rugby team is coming to East Africa as part of an outreach programme where they saw a great opportunity working with Tag Rugby Trust which has amassed vast experience working in Uganda and Kenya for ten years now.

Tag Rugby Trust (T.R.T) Uganda is a rugby charity that exists to help improve the lives of children. Since inception in 2002, T.R.T works with local Government primary schools, International and Orphanage schools, Rugby clubs and many social programmes using the game of Tag rugby as their vehicle. Many players have come through this programme to become great sports men and individuals among who is arguably the best No. 15 Uganda has today in Benon Kizza.

Tag rugby is a fast moving, non contact version of rugby suitable for boys, girls, old and young to play together. Because of its non contact nature, it is safe to play and is a vibrant sport. It is through T.R.T, of course with support from Kenya and Uganda rugby unions that the English counties tour has been made possible. Come have fun and enjoy the game you love as you reach out to many vulnerable children out there.

Rivalry renewed

The Bamburi Super Series is back and kicks off this weekend on Saturday may 5^th at four venues across East Africa. Uganda will be represented by two teams Victoria and Rwenzori. Victoria which is coached by Herbert Wafula and has Roger Sebina as team manager comprises of players selected from league champions Mtn Heathens, Toyota Buffaloes, Sadolin Mongers and Xfm Impis. Rwenzori is made up of players chosen from Utl Kobs, G4S Pirates, Rhinos and Nile rugby club. Rwenzori franchise is being coached by Fred Mudoola and has Humphrey Ogwang of Gulu Rugby club as team manager.

This weekend will see Victoria hit the road to Nairobi where they take on Rhinos at RFUEA grounds, Nairobi in a game that will be televised live on supersport with kick off at 16:00 hrs. Rwenzori on the other hand will be hosting Buffaloes at KRFU grounds here in Kampala at the same time. Other games on this weekend are Cheetahs taking on Sharks at RFUEA grounds in Nairobi at 14:00 hrs which will also air live on supersport. The final game of the day will see the Coastal Bulls taking on the Lions at MSC Mombasa at 16:30hrs.

Team sheets

BRSS Rwenzori 30 man Squad

—————————–-​——–

1 TCHUMKAM MATIAL (RHINO)

2 ODONG BRIAN (UTL KOBS)

3 ECHULU OSCAR (UTL KOBS)

4 OKELLO JAMES (RHINOS)

5 ATURINDE EBBER (UTL KOBS)

6 MAWANDA SOLOMON (G4S PIRATES)-Captain

7 KIMONO JAMES (UTL KOBS)

8 WADIA VICTOR (UTL KOBS)

9 KABONERO TIMOTHY (UTL KOBS)

10 ANGUYO JOEL (G4S PIRATES)

11 DUMBA TIMOTHY (G4S PIRATES)

12 ODONG MARVIN (G4S PIRATES)

13 OGWETE STEPHEN (UTL KOBS)

14 ASABA BRIAN (UTL KOBS)

15 ODONGA FRANCIS (RHINOS)

16 MUSAJJA RONALD (UTL KOBS)

17 KAMANYIRE AMBROSE (UTL KOBS)

18 KIWALABYE DAVIS (G4S PIRATES)

19 LUKENDO GREG (G4S PIRATES)

20 ATUBIKIRE BYRON( RHINOS)

21 KABAZI PAUL (G4S PIRATES)

22 KALYANGO OSCAR (UTL KOBS)

23 SENOGA RICKY (RHINO)

24 BARASA ANDREW (UTL KOBS)

25 KIMONO JUSTIN (UTL KOBS)

26 ETUKET DENIS (G4S PIRATES)

27 AREDO JOSEPH (UTL KOBS)

28 ECHODU EMMANUEL( XFm Impis)

29 MUSIITWA JIMMY (RHINOS)

30 KINENE ANTHONY (G4S PIRATES)

Coach: Fred Mudoola

Team Manager: Humphrey Ogwang

BRSS Victoria 30 man Squad

__________________________

1 NGOLOBE ARTHUR (HEATHENS)

2 GAMMA FAISAL (HEATHENS)

3 KIMULI JOEL( HEATHENS)

4 KIKAWA BRIAN (HEATHENS)

5 ATHIYO MUHAMMED (HEATHENS)

6 ONEN JONATHAN (HEATHENS)

7 PARIYO PHILLIP (BUFFALOES)

8 MUSOKE RONNIE (HEATHENS)

9 WOKORACH PHILLIP (BUFFALOES/HANA)

10 KIZZA BENON (HEATHENS)

11 MUGERWA ASUMAN (HEATHENS)

12 ODYEK EDGAR (BUFFALOES)

13 TIBASHOBOKA PRESTON (HEATHENS)

14 NABURRI JAMIL ALI NYANGO(BUFFALOES)

15 MUKAMA ARTHUR (HEATHENS)

16 MUTEBI ADNAN (IMPIS)

17 MULO DENIS (HEATHENS)

18 BAHENDEKA ROLAND (HEATHENS)

19 MAKMOT KEVIN (KOBS)

20 ELUPO EMMANUEL (MONGERS)

21 MUGAMBI DENIS (HEATHENS)

22 BARIGYE PAUL (KOBS)

23 OCHWO MATHIAS (HEATHENS)

24 WOKORACH MICHEAL HEATHENS

25 SEGUYA ROBERT (HEATHENS)

26 SEWANKAMBO GERALD (HEATHENS)

27 SERUNJOGI PAUL (HEATHENS)

28 MUBIRU ALEX (HEATHENS)

29 OCHEN JASPER (HEATHENS)

30 NYOMBI ROBIN (MONGERS)

Coach: Herbert Wafula

Team Manager: Roger Sebina

After seeing off Kenya during the 1st leg of the annual tourney, a thorough 19 – 5 thrashing at the Kyadondo grounds, it was Uganda’s cup to lose when they returned to face off Kenya at their home for the second leg.

The first half went pretty well, with both sides holding their ground, missing penalties and playing defensively, ending the break with a nil all draw.

Eight minutes into the second half and the Kenyans realized they actually had to win this game by at least 14 points, and scored their first try, adding the second 3 minutes later with the ensuing conversion to make it 12 – 0  for the hosts. Uganda’s backline then did the unthinkable, according to Kenya’s coach, and put a blockade in their half, something the Kenyans had never seen in their entire sporting careers, for they failed to even kick the ball past them. Rumors started flying around at the RUFEA grounds that the Uganda backline had been getting coaching tips during the week from the security personnel that had been keeping opposition fella Besigye at his Kasangati home for almost a week under house arrest, “How to erect a blockade and keep rioters out” had been the subject of their training, the rumors said.

It seems even God was tired of Kenya winning the Elgon Cup, for he unlash a torrent of waters that seemed to give Uganda the advantage, as they had been training at the Kyadondo grounds which is as if water logged, thanks to it’s neighbor, the swamp.

The game ended 12-0, giving Uganda an aggregate win of 19 – 17.

The highlight of this tournament however, on top of Uganda finally winning it, has been the super fantabulous organization that characterized the first leg, with so many fans that the Government is thinking of re-locating rugby games to Namboole (or the cricket grounds if Airtel is not using it for an international music showcase). The fanzone tent was as ballistic as promised, and Supersport 9 broadcast the game live, as promised.

In Nairobi, leading fans David and Phillip were the highlight of the Supersport showcase as they braved the rain while mercilessly cheering a losing Uganda side, getting themselves wet and muddy in the process, forcing the team doctor to summarily give them some immunization injections against water borne diseases, salutations!

The rugbyfanzone placards that also graced Kyadondo during the first leg found their way into the leading local tabloid The Kampala Sun and dailies like Monitor for their ballisticness, examples of which included “My drinking team has a rugby problem”, “……………..

We now set our sights firmly on the Bamburi Super series, English counties tour, CAR, Victoria Cup, coming to these pages very soon……

Tries: Lawrence Buyachi, Tony Onyango (Kenya)
Conversion: Eden Agero (Kenya)
AGGREGATE WIN: UGANDA 19 KENYA 17

Kenya Lionesses win the Elgon cup on a 21-18 aggregate score.
Tries: Olando Philadelphia, Linda Nambwa
Conversion: Janet Awino-1
Penalty: Janet Awino-1, Christine Kizito-1
Kenya win the 2012 Elgon Cup 21-18 on aggregate but the celebrations were dampened by the shocking news of the death of Kenya Captain Aberdeen Shikoyi who succumbed to a spinal injury suffered in the first leg of the Elgon Cup.
May her soul rest in peace.
Kenya scored two tries through center Olando Philadelphia and wing Linda Nambwa.Janet Awino converted one try and a penalty while Uganda replied through a Christine Kizito penalty. There were several complaints about the Kenya referee Bosco Muamba’s impartiality in the game as he made several questionable calls including awarding missed penalty that his touch judge had ruled not to have been scored.
 

Elgon Cup:

The Elgon Cup first leg took place last weekend in what was probably the best organized event URU has hosted.  We wish to extend a great vote of thanks to our esteemed sponsors: Nile Special, UAP, Super Sports, Western Union, New Vision, G4S, Sheraton, Rwenzori, Dimension Data and all other corporates that contributed to making this event an extreme success. Special thanks are due to Moringa Ogilvy and David Case particularly for the dedication and great innovation in marketing and organizing the event.  To Kyadondo, we wish to thank you for hosting this event. Fanzone are also to be commended for doing a great job in promoting the Elgon Cup 2012.  Finally allow me to recognize the organizing committee represented by David Case (on behalf of Moringa Ogilvy), Ian Walker, Jacob Bukenya, Pam Abeja, Robert Bwali and myself (from URU), Andrew Owor (Kyadondo), and Godwin Kayangwe (Fanzone).  Allow me to also recognize the great effort by the Rugby Cranes, Lady Cranes and the technical team of both teams for pulling off the victories we saw.  The return leg takes place tomorrow in Nairobi and we wish the team great success.

Bamburi Rugby Super Series:

As the curtain draws on the Elgon Cup, we usher in the Bamburi Rugby Super Series.  This is a month-long event in which Rugby franchises in both Kenya and Uganda compete for bragging rights.  Uganda has registered two teams – Rwenzori (composed of Kobs, Pirates, Rhinos and Nile) and Victoria (composed of Heathens, Buffaloes, Mongers and Impis). I have attached the match schedule to allow you to track the dates that Ugandan franchises will be playing.  On behalf of URU, I wish to thank Hima Cement for coming on Board to sponsor the Ugandan franchises with a package of at least Shs 60m.  This event will be the highlight of May and I welcome all of you to cheer on Rwenzori and Victoria.

England Counties

Once the Bamburi Rugby Super Series ends, in June we will be treated to two mouth watering encounters between England Counties (the third tier national team of England) and Elgon Warriors.  The Elgon Warriors is a combined Uganda/Kenya team in the mould of the British Lions.  Selection of the Elgon Warriors is to be based on the two Elgon Cup encounters between Kenya and Uganda. After the Nairobi leg on Saturday, the Elgon Warriors team will be announced.  The games against the England Counties will take place on 9^th June 2012 (at Kyadondo) and 16^th June 2012 in Nairobi.  Both games shall be broadcast on Super Sport and many of you will have already seen the advert for the encounter on Super Sport.

Challenges

We have so far had a very successful year of Rugby and we pray that we build on this success.  Nevertheless, we continue to face challenges as a Union.  Most of the challenges revolve around resources and I will highlight a few so as to solicit ideas on how we can overcome them.  Our upcountry development programme remains on course but is extremely underfunded.  We have run a very successful league in Northern Uganda this year amidst serious funding constraints.  We need to enhance our coaching programme there, provide balls, kit, scrum machines and other important resources in order to make the league there safer and more enjoyable.  The league in the North does a lot of CSR activities and any corporates interested in supporting such programmes are welcome to partner with URU to support our Rugby league in the North.  Next year we will commence local leagues in Eastern and Western Uganda.  In the horizon we also plan to commence Rugby in West Nile.

Funding constraints have also been severely felt in terms of organizing medical support for our activities and facilitating our referees.  On the latter issue however, City Beat (a subsidiary of New Vision) has come on board with sponsorship to facilitate our referees and we are profoundly grateful.  We welcome such gestures to support our wide range of activities.  Ladies’ Rugby is also extremely underfunded and yet growing at such a fast pace.  We now have a four-team league that is not sponsored but which offers great mileage opportunities for corporates targeting CSR programmes and/or services biased towards the female gender.

Lady Cranes 15 Kenya Lionesses 06

Uganda 19 Kenya 05
Tries: Romano Ogwal,Justin Kimono(Uganda),Lawrence Buyachi(Kenya)
Penalty: Anthony Kinene(3)

Uganda wins the first leg of the Elgon cup both in the ladies and men’s category

The men’s game that was televised live on Super sport 9 East kicked off at 1600 hours. It rained the previous day but match day turned out bright and sunny. Kenya started with the early aggression but Uganda soon got into their stride winning penalty after a run by wing Bishop Onen drew an infringement from Kenya in the 9^th minute. Scrum Half Anthony Kinene stepped up to kick a 40 meter penalty between the sticks. Uganda 03 Kenya 00.Kenya fought back through their forwards who took the game to the Ugandan forwards. Uganda found the going tough at the scrum downs and whenever a Ugandan forward made a run they were quickly turned over rather easily. This put allot of pressure on the Uganda backline who proved to be rather outstanding in defense putting in tackle after tackle. Mid way through first half Uganda regained more possession and almost scored off a maul but flanker Scott Oluoch knocked on, over the try line. Another sustained period of Uganda pressure had Kenya desperately kicking  the ball that was brought back at the speed of knots by wing Justin Kimono; in the next phase after the tackle, fly half Chris Lubanga made a clever dummy run into space offloading to a charging prop Oscar Echulu who knocked on with the try line beckoning. The home crowd sighed in yet more agony. Just before the half scrum half Anthony Kinene slotted in another penalty but not after the Kenya half back pair of Ken Andola and Eden Agero missed a penalty attempt apiece for Kenya.

HALFTIME: UGANDA 06 KENYA 00

At the restart the Uganda backline attacked wide releasing wing Bishop Onen who run 50 meters before stepping back in at the 22 as the Kenya cover defense closed in. Lock Romano Ogwal was able to drive over for a push over try after the pick and drive. Anthony Kinene missed the conversion as Uganda led 11-00.Uganda grew in confidence keeping Kenya on the back foot eventually drawing a penalty that Anthony Kinene missed from 40 yards. He later atoned for the miss by slotting in another penalty. Uganda 14 Kenya 00.Kenya replaced fly half Ken Andole with scrum half Eden Agero who gave Kenya momentum with some raking territorial touch finders. Second half substitute Lawrence Buyachi barged over for a corner post try after a period of sustained Kenya pressure in the Uganda 22.The conversion was missed. Uganda  14 Kenya 05.Kenya buoyed by the try pushed for another try. Kenya’s first real threat from their backline did come as they drifted wide and attacked down the left flank, only to be repelled by a massive hit from center Michael Wokorach!This  resulted in a turnover ball, that was popped to winger Justin Kimono to turn on the gas and sprint 70 meters for a try next to the posts. Anthony Kinene disbelievingly missed the easy conversion for the game to end Uganda 19 Kenya 05.

Moment of the match: Cranes full back Benon Kizza making one of his counter attacks from deep beat not only 5 Kenyans who happened to be forwards but also handed them off! However top honors go out to Uganda wing Justin Kimono’s try. With Kenya attacking dangerously deep in Uganda territory, a crunching tackle from center Michael Wokorach on the Vincent Mose caused a knock on; lock Ogwete Steven picks up the loose ball and feeds wing Justin Kimono who skinned the Kenya backline with a 70 meter turn of pace.

Western Union Man of the match: A few candidates here and a mention must go to Justin Kimono for breaking the Kenyan’s spirit with the last try of the game. Full back Benon Kizza did not put a foot wrong and his counter running was brilliant. Center Michael Wokorach took no prisoners in defense, cleaning out any attack that came his way. However Man of the match Captain Mathias Ochwo Uganda Captain, led by example putting in an incredible amount of work. He was ferociously, even cross covering against the Kenyan attacks , battled hard at the breakdown , cleared the line outs and put the Kenyan half backs under immense pressure. All this making up for a rather pedestrian effort from his forward line.The flanker was indeed a colossus of a man.He was presented with a cash prize of Ushs 500,000 by Western Union officials.

Villain of the match: Despite all the hype and huge hits, the match was played in the true spirit of the game.

Lady Cranes 15 Kenya Lionesses 06

The Lady Cranes dominated the first half of the game and kept Kenya in their own half but only had the single try to show for that effort at half time. An attack down right flank resulted in a try for fly half Charlotte off an offload from number 8 Beatrice Atim.The conversion was missed by Christine Kizito.Uganda 05 Kenya 00.A flat line in attack and too much lateral running made it easy for Kenya to defend their lines.

HALFTIME: UGANDA 05 KENYA 06

At the re-start the Kenyans took the game to hosts making some dangerous runs. Kenya was kept at bay by some desperate defending from the Ugandans coming away with a penalty in the 60^th minute through the boot of Janet Owino.Uganda 05 Kenya 03.A flurry of substitutions gave Uganda impetus with Winnie Atyang,Regina Athieno and Aisha Nakityo making some incisive runs. A long jinxing run by replacement flanker Winnie Atyang saw her hand off a bunch of Kenyans before she found a gap and run for a life for a well taken individual try. The conversion was missed by Christine Kizito.Uganda 10 Kenya 03.Tragedy struck when Kenya’s captain Aberdeen Shikoyi was stretchered off with a neck injury after she got caught under the weight of a falling Christine Kizito.She was later airlifted to Nairobi hospital ICU unit.

Kenya did not give up fighting back to bridge the gap to 10-06 after another Janet Owino penalty. With literally the last play of the game the Lady Cranes attacked hard with the ball coming out wide to a lumbering Christine who used her power to fend off two opponents before releasing Charlotte Mudoola who drew the last tackle and popped the ball for Rosenburg Kanyunuzi to go over for an unconverted try. Uganda thus ended the game 15-06 victors.

Moment of the match: Uganda’s Winnie Atyang taking on almost the entire Kenya team to score a 60 meter try. This brought down the roof at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds

Woman of the match: Captain Brenda Kayiyi’s straight running and uncompromising defense stabilized the Uganda midfield

Villain of the match: It was played in the true spirit of the game.