2015 Africa Rugby Tier 1B Results
Uganda 40-11 Ivory Coast
The Uganda Rugby Cranes earned a comprehensive 40-11 win over Ivory Coast to start the 2015 Africa Rugby tier 1B tournament in fashion on Sunday.
The Cranes needed 5 tries from Micheal Wokorach, Scott Oluoch, Lawrence Ssebuliba, Ronald Musajjagulanyago and James Odong plus three penalties and two conversions from Kevin Makmot to crown a successful evening.
Lo Jonathan scored two penalties and Toure Salif who crushed over for the Ivory Coast as the visitors settled for loss in their first encounter at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.
Rugby Cranes kicked off with an impressive display in the first half when the side piled pressure on the visitors for to secure a penalty. Kevin Makmot kicked through to grab three points as fans rallied behind the team.
Just after a few minutes of celebrations, Cranes were back on the score sheets as Makmot slotted in another to extend Uganda’s lead to 06-00.
The home side kept up the pace with swift and wide play in Ivory Coast’s half and the visitors back line eventually crumbled at James Odong’s efforts.
Odong touched past the try line for the first try of the day and Makmot converted for a comfortable 13-00 lead.
Ivory Coast’s Jonathan Lo reduced the deficit with a penalty later on but Uganda turned rampant, replying with a try.
It was Ronald Musajjagulanyago who executed the masterpiece sending the crowds into a frenzy. Cranes’ fans cheered on, as Makmot kicked through for the extras.
With a 20-03 lead, Jonathan again capitalized on Cranes errors to reduce the points gap by three thanks to his second penalty.
Uganda’s Lawrence Ssebuliba who had taken several minutes without much presence in the game, eventually rose up to the occasion thereafter, sprinting as usual along the left lane of the pitch to notch a sensational try for the hosts.
A brawl immediately ensued thereafter as the Ivory Coast team players seemed so frustrated. Referee Victor Lie managed to calm the situation and play resumed with Makmot hitting the left upright for no conversion.
The busy sun drenched first half proceeded with more luck for Uganda when Scott Oluoch broke through Ivory Coast’s defense to score another try for Uganda.
Makmot made no mistake this time round crowning the first 40 minutes with a brilliant conversion for a 32-06 half time score.
Second half kicked off with Makmot replicating his brilliant performances with Ezee Money Rhinos last season and it was more three points for Uganda thanks to his penalty.
Replacement James Ijiongat did not do exactly the same when he had the chance to convert Micheal Wokorach’s late and last try of the game for Uganda and so happened on the other side just after Salif Toure touched for Ivory Coast.
Uganda’s Ausman Mugerwa was the other replacement made by new coach John Duncan for Martial Tchumkam.
The good result for the hosts Uganda, now puts the nation in pole position for qualification to tier 1A, should the outfit convincingly defeat Botswana on Wednesday.
Other Africa Rugby Tier 1B results
Madagascar 36-18 Botswana
Mauritius 03-42 Senegal