Uganda’s Lady Cranes 7s defeated Tunisia Ladies 33-00 to lift the prestigious Rugby Africa Women’s 7s in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Lady Cranes went unbeaten across the two days, only conceding a combined 31 points against South Africa ‘A’ and Kenya Lionesses on Day 2, while scoring 216 in 6 games.
In the final, Tunisia started off strong, putting Uganda on the back foot, but the Lady Cranes stayed patient, as they have been, turning over possession after forcing a handling error.
Uganda then opened the scoring through Lydia Namabiro, who carried hard and gained post-contact meters to go across the try line. Tina Akello’s conversion gave Uganda a 7-point lead to calm the waters at the RFUEA Grounds.
Uganda’s discipline then went wanting as they conceded back-to-back penalties. Replacement scrumhalf Mastula Namboozo was unfortunately found on the wrong end of the law as her tackle on the dipping Tunisian was adjudged to be high, sending her to the sin bin for 2 minutes.
Despite being 6 players on the pitch, the Cranes stayed focused and got another try through Namabiro, with Akello converting. Another try-scoring opportunity opened up for Uganda, but Peace Lekuru’s attempt over the ruck was rather cynical, with the try disallowed and a penalty awarded to Tunisia.
In the second half, Suzan Adong scored for Uganda after a beautiful switch pass from Namboozo put her in the gap. Namboozo added the extra 2 points, but Uganda’s indiscipline came back to the fore again as substitute Gertrude Kateesa received a yellow card soon after coming on in the second half.
Namabiro once again got on the scoresheet, completing her hat-trick and putting Uganda in a comfortable position. Unfortunately for Namboozo, her conversion attempt from the left of the uprights hit the crossbar, leaving the score at 26-00 for Uganda.
Uganda’s Lady Cranes were not yet done despite the margin being clear. Lekuru’s quick start caught Tunisia’s defence napping, and she went over the tryline but generously handed the ball over to Kateesa for the closing try. Namboozo added the two and not only confirmed Uganda’s 33-00 win, but also sent Uganda to the golden podium, and subsequently Dubai, for the HSBC Division III