Uganda’s Lady Cranes emulated the feats of their men's national side at the weekend in defeating the Kenya 18-7 in Kampala to take the advantage in their 2008 Elgon Cup rivalry.
While the men's side stormed to a 20-3 win against the Kenyans through tries by Felix Lubega and Joel Kimuli and the kicking of Anthony Kinene, the country's women provided the ideal curtain raiser in Kampala.
Full back Rachael Kakaire missed with two early penalties but the Kenyans found Uganda’s rolling maul hard to counter and rarely found the opportunity to set their quicker backs away. In the 27th minute the Lady Cranes drew the first blood through Fortunate Irankunda. Asha Sonko added the second try five minutes later for a narrow 12-0 lead at half-time.
Early in the second half Kakaire found her range to kick a penalty and stretch the lead to 15-0 but Kenya regrouped and were awarded a penalty try after Navalayo was fouled just before touching down.
The two teams were evenly matched for the rest of the match, Kakaire stroking over her second penalty in the 77th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
As in the men's annual Elgon Cup, a return leg will offer Kenya a reprieve and a chance to get over the nerves that blighted this performance.
“We made some basic mistakes and lost concentration in defence," said Kenya coach, Mwamba scrum half Sammy Kemmey. "Our plan was to attack in their faces but we barely got possession and they kept the ball tight. I think Uganda were aware that we were faster on the outside.”
Eleven points represents a slender lead for Uganda, whose coach Sam Ahamya was only too happy to admit that it had been a tough match.
“It is what we expected, Kenya scrimmaged well but their line out was poor," he said.
"After winning the line outs, it was relatively easy to plan and get them on the back foot while keeping possession.”
Scorers
Uganda: Tries : Fortunate Irankunda, Asha Sonko.
Conversions: Rachael Kakaire (2)
Penalties: Kakaire (1)
Kenya: Penalty try converted by Angela Olum.
Yellow Cards
Anita Omondi (Kenya), Joan Andika (Uganda)
Uganda: 15 Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds), 14 Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds), 13 Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), 12 Hadija Namuyanja (Rangers), 11 Asha Sonko (Thunderbirds, vice captain), 10 Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers), 9 Joan Andika (Thunderbirds) -Joan Namuyamba, 1 Warry Nambirige (Rangers), 2 Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds), 3 Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers), 4 Ann Tumusiime (Thunderbirds), 5 Christine Kizito ((Thunderbirds, captain), 6 Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers) (Stella Kyalikunda), 7 Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds) (Winnie Etyang), 8 Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds). Replacements: 16 Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds), 17 Evelyn Aweku (Thunderbirds), 18 Alice Nakyonyi (Thunderbirds), 19 Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds), 20 Winnie Etyang (Thunderbirds), 21 Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers), 22 Joan Namuyomba (Thunderbirds).
Officials: Sam Ahamya (coach), Ramsey Olinga (assistant coach).
Kenya: 15 Anita Omondi (Mwamba Invaders), 14 Celestine Navalayo (Mwamba Invaders, captain), 13 Judy Agengo (Rovers), 12 Nereah Awino (Mwamba Invaders), 11 Robina Wambui (Vivi Girls), 10 Doreen Remour (Mwamba Invaders), 9 Mary Musieka (Mwamba Invaders), 1 Camilyne Awuor (Mwamba Invaders) (Kezia Achieng), 2 Mary Atieno (Mwamba Invaders), 3 Emily Achieng (Mwamba Invaders), (Dorcas Ndanu), 4 Angela Olum (Mwamba Invaders), 5 Millicent Opalla (Mwamba Invaders), 6 Abardeen Shikhoyi (Mwamba Invaders) (Yvonne Makwali), 7 Philadelphia Olando (Mwamba Invaders), 8 Adelaide Nasambu (Rovers) (Rachael Adhiambo). Replacements: 16 Irene Namayi (Rovers), 17 Dorcas Ndanu (Rovers), 18 Kezia Achieng (Vivi Girls), 19 Stacy Awuor (Vivi Girls), 20 Yvonne Makwali (Mwamba Rovers), 21 Rachael Adhiambo (Rovers), 22 Janet Midecha (Vivi Girls).
Officials: Sammy Kemmey (coach), Mike Mwanja (team manager).
