In the wake of the Uganda Rugby Cranes’ 34-27 away victory against Zimbabwe Sables in the Africa Tier 1A at the Police Rugby Stadium in Harare, John Wandicho, a lock on the team has praised the total focus and determination the team had prior to and during crucial match.
Speaking to Kawowo Sports in Entebbe after the team’s arrival on Sunday morning, Wandicho, a second half substitute for Charles Uhuru disclosed that the team had an overwhelming urge to succeed at all odds.
We had the focus, we were determined and above all, committed towards winning away from home
Uganda took the lead through a Phillip Wokoroach penalty before the Zimbabwe side replied with two tries and successful conversions to take the lead 14-3.
By the half time break, Uganda Rugby Cranes were ahead 15-14 thanks to Asuman Mugerwa and Oscar Kalyango tries with one successful conversion by the trusted kicking boots of Phillip Wokcroach.
As the first half ended, we had a slim lead and the home crowd which had been noisy at the beginning was now silent.
We only had five fans in the stands.
All that did not deter us from losing morale, we were focused for that away victory
Onto resumption of the final 40 minutes, the home side converted a penalty to take a two point lead 17-15
Marvin Odongo then had a try to make it 20-17 in favour of the determined Ugandans before the home side forced a penalty equaling 20 apiece.
“We worked so hard to silence the home crowd when Ssebuliba (Lawrence) had a try with a successful Phillip (Wokoroach) conversion before the final dramatic and spirited fight” Wandicho recalls.
Uganda was promoted to the Tier 1A level last year with the final game coming against Kenya next Saturday (30th July 2016).
The Kenyan fixture at the RFUEA grounds will also double as the second leg of the Elgon Cup.
The Rugby Cranes lost the first leg in Kampala 48-10.
Team training resumes on Monday, 25th July 2016 at Kyadondo Rugby Ground at 6 p.m.
