Men: Uganda 19-5
Women: Uganda 15-6 Kenya
Uganda managed to see off Kenya 19-5 in the first leg of the Elgon Cup at Kyadondo ground. Tries by Romano Ogwal and Justin Kimono ensure Uganda go into the second leg next Saturday holding a fourteen point advantage. Scrum half Anthony Kinene was on hand to give Uganda all the other point though he missed two crucial conversions.
For a team that hasn’t won the Elgon Cup since 2006 Uganda seemed timorous though the holders were also trying to play the
conservative game. It was Kinene who gave Uganda the lead as early as 9 minutes. Just when the try was coming, Jonathan Onen knocked on at the decisive moment on 16 minutes. Scot Oluoch did the same as the frustration grew.
It was relief for Uganda when Kenya halfbacks Kenny Andola and Eden Agero missed penalties in the final 10 minutes before Kinene gave Uganda 6-0 lead at the break.
Winger Onen ran clear before releasing Ogwal in the 42 minutes just like Coach Yayiro Kasasa had planned. Oscar Ochulu and Andrew Olweny tired legs gave way for the fresh prop Martial Tchumkam and Marvin Odong. The weather started to change but that didn’t stop Kinene from extending the advantage with the boot.
As the cloud got thicker and, Kenya assumed control with brilliant kicks for territory from Andola and Agero, taunted as the next big thing across the border. Kasasa realized that his backline was losing control and he introduced Ambrose Kamayiire and centre Paul Kabazzi.
Kenya were not letting it go without a fight when back row Lawrence Buyachi made the Kenyan pressure count with a try in the 75th. Kimono broke clear with three minutes to play for running half the pitch to bring life to an enormously quiet game. Though Kinene missed the conversion it was Kimono’s fifth try in five caps.
Ugandan skipper and man of the match Mathias Ochwo wasn’t impressed with his team’s performance. “We controlled possession in that half but were very careless with the ball,” Ochwo said.
Kenyan skipper Joel Nga’ga explained the disadvantage of playing away from home. “Playing away from home is always hard and Uganda played with heart,” Nga’ga said.