Uganda Lady Cranes sevens rugby team concluded the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Olympic Qualifiers in seventh place after failing to make the list of the team that will travel to Rio, Brazil for the showpiece next year.
The Lady Cranes outfit lost to an experienced Lady Blitzbokke (South Africa), finishing third in Pool A before winning 36-00 in the plate final against Namibia.
Coach Allan Musoke’s side lost 39-00 to South Africa on Sunday, fell to Senegal 10-15 off a first half 10 points dominance. They then played Namibia in the Shield final running out convincing winners to finish in 7th position.
The Lady Cranes who were stretched thin, playing the entire tournament with only 10 players, missed services of players Emmanuela Oroma and Harriet Kayonjo whose visas were not released in time by the South African Embassy.
On day one, Uganda’s Lady Cranes 7s put behind a mid-afternoon 5-19 loss to Zimbabwe to thrive past Namibia 17-7 before proceeding to thrash Zambia 36-0.
According to Uganda Women’s Rugby Association – UWRA, Ugandan coaches selected Samiya Ayikoru as the Ugandan player of the tournament thanks to her brilliant tackles, gaps discovery, and impressive runs. She was joint top scorer (4 tries) with Grace Auma.
South Africa won the main cup final 31-05, finishing off Kenya to complete the whole tournament unbeaten with a total of 265 points, only five conceded in six matches. A decision from South Africa Sports Confederation and Olympic committee on which team is to make the Olympic games is all top sides are waiting on.
Rugby Africa women’s Olympic qualifier Results
Day one
Zimbabwe 19 – 5 Uganda
Uganda 17-07 Namibia
Uganda 36 -00 Zambia
Day Two
South Africa 39 – 00 Uganda
Plate semifinal
Uganda 10 – 15 Senegal
Shield final (7th/8th playoff)
Uganda 36 – 00 Namibia (Grace Auma – 2 tries; Charlotte Mudoola 1 tries, 3 conversions; Prossy Nakakande – 1 try; Brenda Kayiyi – 1 try; Hildah Nyiraguhirwa – 1 try)
Points Scorers
Charlotte Mudoola – 2 try, 6 conversions, 22 points
Samiya Ayikoru – 4 tries, 20 points
Grace Auma – 4 tries, 20 points
Prossy Nakakande – 3 tries, 15 points
Brenda Kayiyi – 3 tries, 15 points
Hildah Nyiraguhirwa – 2 tries, 10 points
Odoyi Mary Kyoita – 1 conversion, 2 points
