FINAL SCORE: Uganda 30-25 Kenya (Agg: 47-45)
Uganda Rugby Cranes revenged 2014’s loss to the Kenya “A” on Saturday, thanks to a close 30-25 final score to claim the Elgon Cup at Legends Rugby grounds.
Uganda opened the scores with a drop kick by Chris Lubanga to lead 03-00 but the visitors closed the gap with fly half Kennedy Andola’s penalty to level.
Action from Uganda vs Kenya // ©Kawowo Sports / AISHA NAKATO
Cranes pushed for a try in succession, reaping a penalty instead in Kenya’s 22 and it was Kevin Makmot who summoned his decent first leg performance to aid regain the lead from the spot kick.
With a 06-03 home lead, Uganda, the losers of the first leg in Kenya, conceded the first try of the game after Felix Wanjala crushed over, beyond the try line.
Andola unfortunately missed the conversion but Kenya were at it again with their second try a couple of minutes later, when Andola’s boots garnered the extras this time round.
A first half dominated by Kenya closed out 06-18 with the visitors in control having made two quick tries as the 40 minutes elapsed.
Key man Joseph Aredo brightened Cranes chances at restart when he ran through the Kenya back-line to touch at the right corner flag. Chris Lubanga converted even though Cranes were still lagging on a 13-18 score.
Action from Uganda vs Kenya // ©Kawowo Sports / AISHA NAKATO
Charles Omondi’s constant infringement reduced Kenya’s outfit on the turf to 14 men and that’s when the home side capitalized.
Just after Cyrus Wathum had come on for Cranes, back row Scott Oluoch muscled his way through the Kenyan defense to score beyond the white chalk, close to the left upright.
Manager, Brian Tabaruka and coach Robert Seguya’s men eventually grabbed the lead after Lubanga’s brilliant conversion at 20-18.
Charles Uhuru later impressed for a brilliant pass to Marvin Odongo who won a penalty for the hosts as the mammoth crowd rallied behind their team with loud cheers.
Chris Lubanga made no mistake slotting the ball through the uprights before converting Martial Tchumkam’s try later on.
Man of the match Gerald Ssewankombo received award // ©Kawowo Sports / AISHA NAKATO
Kenya replied with a late try thanks to Abeka’s efforts and even though Andola converted, Uganda held on to win the Elgon Cup.
