The Lady Cranes reached the finals of the Nelson Mandela Bay 7's held at the Pearson High School, Summerstrand in Port Elizabeth, South Africa after topping their pool on day 1 (Friday 12th December) with victories against Eastern Province, the Department of Correctional Services and the Blue Bulls.
In the first game against Eastern Province, Rachel Kakaire and Helen Buteme scored one try apiece with Kakaire converting to take the final score to 12 - 00. Justine Bayiga got herself on the scoresheet in the game against the Department of Correctional Services with 2 tries, while captain Christine Kizito and Fortunate Irankunda both crossed the try line once. Kakaire added 2 conversions to end the game at 24 - 00. South Africa won both their pool games against Blue Bulls and Border to top their pool and set up a date with Eastern Province in one semi final while the Cranes took on Blue Bulls in the other semi final.
The semi finals were on 13th December, and the Lady Cranes had to dig deep to get themselves into the final. The Blue Bulls scored twice before the Lady Cranes clawed their way back into the game courtesy of 2 tries from Rachel Kakaire and 1 try from Helen Buteme. The final score was 15 - 10 to the Ugandans: the South Africans beat Eastern Province to meet Uganda in their 4th finals date since 2006.
On their home ground the South Africans hammered the Ugandans into submission, easily running out the winners with an emphatic 36 - 00 drubbing.
The top try scorer of the tournament was South African Phumeza Gadu while the MVP accolade went to her captain Saloma Booysen.
ugrugbychiclet
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Lady Cranes set for Mandela 7's
The Lady Cranes 7’s team departs for South Africa on Thursday to take part in the Nelson Mandela Bay 7’s. Coaches David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya plan to use this tournament to try out new combinations. The team will, however, do without the services of Josephine Namayega who has been ruled out for one month due to an ankle injury and Charlotte Mudoola who has examinations. Asha Ssonko and Rachel Kakaire come back into the squad to replace Namayega and Mudoola respectively while Justine Bayiga takes the place of Mary Kyoita on the wing.
Final Squad:
Forwards: Christine Kizito (captain), Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds), Aliya Adania (Rangers), Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers).Backs: Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Winnie Atyang, Harriet Kayonjo, Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds), Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Justine Bayiga.
ugrugbychiclet
Final Squad:
Forwards: Christine Kizito (captain), Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds), Aliya Adania (Rangers), Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers).Backs: Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Winnie Atyang, Harriet Kayonjo, Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds), Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Justine Bayiga.
ugrugbychiclet
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Lady Cranes confirmed to travel to South Africa
Lady Cranes 7's team, sponsored by ICEMARK, flies out to Port Elizabeth, South Africa next week to take part in the Nelson Mandela Bay 7's tournament. David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya are yet to select the final 12 woman squad from the larger squad of 19.
Forwards: Christine Kizito, Asha Ssonko, Josephine Namayega, Aliya Adania, Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi, Dorothy Nekesa, Claire Anena.
Backs: Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Prossy Nakakande, Winnie Atyang, Rachel Kakaire, Helen Buteme, Harriet Kayonjo, Agnes Nantongo, Sauda Adiru, Justine Bayiga, Mary Kyoita, Charlotte Mudoola.
The jury is still out on Uganda's 200 and 400 metre sprint queen, Justine Bayiga. Will her 2 month training stint be enough for her to storm her way onto the team? Watch this space.
ugrugbychiclet
Forwards: Christine Kizito, Asha Ssonko, Josephine Namayega, Aliya Adania, Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi, Dorothy Nekesa, Claire Anena.
Backs: Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Prossy Nakakande, Winnie Atyang, Rachel Kakaire, Helen Buteme, Harriet Kayonjo, Agnes Nantongo, Sauda Adiru, Justine Bayiga, Mary Kyoita, Charlotte Mudoola.
The jury is still out on Uganda's 200 and 400 metre sprint queen, Justine Bayiga. Will her 2 month training stint be enough for her to storm her way onto the team? Watch this space.
ugrugbychiclet
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Lady Cranes for Dubai/South Africa
David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya will soon be trimming their 19 woman squad to 12 as they prepare for the Dubai 7's in Dubai later this month and the Nelson Mandela Bay 7's in South Africa next month. Although neither of the trips have been confirmed the women rugby players are confident and all set to go.
The first set of trials were held on Saturday and the progress of 400 metre national sprint champion Justine Bayiga was keenly noted. Bayiga, who represented Uganda in the 400 metres at the 2008 Beijing summer Olympics, has recently traded her runners spikes for rugby boots and has been undergoing drills with the 7's squad for the past one month. Bayiga was called up to the team in a bid to inject some pace into the Lady Cranes' attack and if she can master the basics of the game she will be a lethal addition to the team.
ugrugbychiclet
The first set of trials were held on Saturday and the progress of 400 metre national sprint champion Justine Bayiga was keenly noted. Bayiga, who represented Uganda in the 400 metres at the 2008 Beijing summer Olympics, has recently traded her runners spikes for rugby boots and has been undergoing drills with the 7's squad for the past one month. Bayiga was called up to the team in a bid to inject some pace into the Lady Cranes' attack and if she can master the basics of the game she will be a lethal addition to the team.
ugrugbychiclet
Monday, November 3, 2008
Final teams for the 2009 women's 7's RWC
16 teams qualified for the world cup from 6 regions.
CONSUR (South America)
Brazil
FIRA-AER (Europe)
England
Netherlands
France
Russia
Spain
Italy
(CAR) AFRICA
South Africa
Uganda
(FORU) OCEANIA
Australia
New Zealand
ARFU (ASIA)
Japan
Thailand
China
NAWIRA (North America)
Canada
USA
There will be 4 pools of 4 teams and IRB has seeded 8 teams according to their relative strengths and how they performed in their regional qualifiers. The rest of the teams will be drawn randomly into the 4 pools.
seed 1 - England
seed 2 - Australia
seed 3 - Canada
seed 4 - New Zealand
seed 5 - Japan
seed 6 - Netherlands
seed 7 - South Africa
seed 8 - Brazil
CONSUR (South America)
Brazil
FIRA-AER (Europe)
England
Netherlands
France
Russia
Spain
Italy
(CAR) AFRICA
South Africa
Uganda
(FORU) OCEANIA
Australia
New Zealand
ARFU (ASIA)
Japan
Thailand
China
NAWIRA (North America)
Canada
USA
There will be 4 pools of 4 teams and IRB has seeded 8 teams according to their relative strengths and how they performed in their regional qualifiers. The rest of the teams will be drawn randomly into the 4 pools.
seed 1 - England
seed 2 - Australia
seed 3 - Canada
seed 4 - New Zealand
seed 5 - Japan
seed 6 - Netherlands
seed 7 - South Africa
seed 8 - Brazil
Lady Cranes squad for the World Cup
The URU/UWRA have recalled all the 12 players that recently qualified for the IRB women's 7's rugby world cup due in Dubai, March 5th to 7th 2009.
Christine Kizito, Josephine Namayega, Winnie Atyang, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Harriet Kayonjo(Thunderbirds), Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi, Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Aliya Adania, Charlotte Mudoola and Mary Kyoita (Rangers) made history when they reached the main cup final of the African qualifier tournament thus booking a place at the inaugural IRB women's 7's rugby world cup and a place in Ugandan history. No other sport - men or women's - has succesfully qualified for a World Cup.
Asha Ssonko, Dorothy Nekesa, Rachel Kakaire, Agnes Nantongo, Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds), Claire Anena (Black Panthers) and Ugandan national 400m champion Justine Bayiga have earned call ups to David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya's training squad.
The women have already resumed training and are hoping to travel to South Africa and Dubai later this year and San Diego, USA early next year for build up tournaments as part of their world cup preparations.
ugrugbychiclet
Christine Kizito, Josephine Namayega, Winnie Atyang, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Harriet Kayonjo(Thunderbirds), Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi, Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Aliya Adania, Charlotte Mudoola and Mary Kyoita (Rangers) made history when they reached the main cup final of the African qualifier tournament thus booking a place at the inaugural IRB women's 7's rugby world cup and a place in Ugandan history. No other sport - men or women's - has succesfully qualified for a World Cup.
Asha Ssonko, Dorothy Nekesa, Rachel Kakaire, Agnes Nantongo, Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds), Claire Anena (Black Panthers) and Ugandan national 400m champion Justine Bayiga have earned call ups to David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya's training squad.
The women have already resumed training and are hoping to travel to South Africa and Dubai later this year and San Diego, USA early next year for build up tournaments as part of their world cup preparations.
ugrugbychiclet
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Lady Cranes get tips from down south
The world cup bound Lady Cranes 7's team will benefit from a week long training session with former Springbok 7's coach, Norman Mbiko. The South African tactician arrived in the country last week and has already conducted a number of training sessions with the men's 7's team in a bid to boost their preparations for their qualifier tournament that will be in Tunisia next month. From the men, Mbiko will switch his attention to the ladies and leave coaches, David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya with tips for their charges before he returns to South Africa. Mbiko will be expected to return later in the year with the Emerging Springboks and the Sprinboks women's 7s coach Denver Wannies.
20 ladies have been called up for training for Uganda among them Ugandan national 400 metre sprint queen Justine Bayiga who will be expected to add pace to the team.
I will post the names of the squad as soon as I get hold of the list.
ugrugbychiclet
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Lady Cranes USPA winners for September
The Lady Cranes 7's team were awarded the September Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) award for qualifying for the world cup. The journalists' decision to crown the women rugby players was unanimous and it is the first time that any team or individual have won the award unopposed.
Well done Lady Cranes.
ugrugbychiclet
Well done Lady Cranes.
ugrugbychiclet
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Lady Cranes qualify for the World Cup
Lady Cranes lost 24 – 00 to South Africa in the finals of the World Cup qualifiers but will still travel to Dubai together with the Springboks to represent Africa at the inaugural IRB Women’s 7’s World Cup in March 2009. Lady Cranes made history as the first Ugandan sports team to qualify for a World Cup.
Lady Cranes started off their world cup campaign with dominant displays over Zimbabwe (30 – 00) and Botswana (48 – 00) before falling 12 – 05 to Tunisia. The Ugandan women were guilty of squandering their chances as they spent the first half camped in the Tunisian 22. They also failed to take advantage of their superior numbers when the Tunisian captain was yellow carded in the second half for a cynical foul. The Tunisians instead capitalized on mistakes from the Ugandans to score two tries and top the pool.
On the other hand, South Africa easily dispatched Uganda A (43 – 00), Zambia (31 – 00), and Kenya (34 – 05) to lead pool A. The top 4 teams were reseeded after the pool games according to number of games won and tries scored with South Africa going into the semifinals as top seeds, Tunisia second, Uganda third and Kenya fourth. The main cup/plate semifinals had South Africa taking on Kenya, and Uganda taking on Tunisia in what was a replay of the final games of the pool stages.
South Africa thumped Kenya 26 – 05 in the first semi final while Uganda edged Tunisia 07 – 00.
Other results:
Bowl/Shield semi-finals: Zambia beat Uganda A 26 – 10, while Zimbabwe beat Botswana 17 – 00.
Shield final: Uganda A beat Botswana 20 - 07.
Bowl final: Zambia beat Zimbabwe 38 – 00.
Plate Final: Kenya beat Tunisia 15 – 14.
Main Cup final: South Africa beat Uganda 24 – 00.
Lady Cranes started off their world cup campaign with dominant displays over Zimbabwe (30 – 00) and Botswana (48 – 00) before falling 12 – 05 to Tunisia. The Ugandan women were guilty of squandering their chances as they spent the first half camped in the Tunisian 22. They also failed to take advantage of their superior numbers when the Tunisian captain was yellow carded in the second half for a cynical foul. The Tunisians instead capitalized on mistakes from the Ugandans to score two tries and top the pool.
On the other hand, South Africa easily dispatched Uganda A (43 – 00), Zambia (31 – 00), and Kenya (34 – 05) to lead pool A. The top 4 teams were reseeded after the pool games according to number of games won and tries scored with South Africa going into the semifinals as top seeds, Tunisia second, Uganda third and Kenya fourth. The main cup/plate semifinals had South Africa taking on Kenya, and Uganda taking on Tunisia in what was a replay of the final games of the pool stages.
South Africa thumped Kenya 26 – 05 in the first semi final while Uganda edged Tunisia 07 – 00.
Other results:
Bowl/Shield semi-finals: Zambia beat Uganda A 26 – 10, while Zimbabwe beat Botswana 17 – 00.
Shield final: Uganda A beat Botswana 20 - 07.
Bowl final: Zambia beat Zimbabwe 38 – 00.
Plate Final: Kenya beat Tunisia 15 – 14.
Main Cup final: South Africa beat Uganda 24 – 00.
Friday, September 19, 2008
African IRB 7’s rugby world cup qualifiers
The women’s IRB rugby world cup qualifiers for Africa kick off this weekend (20th and 21st September) at Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala, Uganda. The 2 available slots for Africa will be contested for by hosts Uganda, top seeds South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. The group stages will be held on Saturday followed by the knock out stages on Sunday. Madagascar and Cote d’Ivoire pulled out of the tournament due to financial constraints.
Coaches David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya selected a strong 12 woman squad that will be captained by Christine Kizito.
The Ugandan squad: Christine Kizito, Josephine Namayega, Winnie Atyang, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds), Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi, Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Charlotte Mudoola, Mary Kyoita, Aliya Adania (Rangers).
ugrugbychiclet
Coaches David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya selected a strong 12 woman squad that will be captained by Christine Kizito.
The Ugandan squad: Christine Kizito, Josephine Namayega, Winnie Atyang, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds), Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi, Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Charlotte Mudoola, Mary Kyoita, Aliya Adania (Rangers).
ugrugbychiclet
Sunday, September 7, 2008
2 weeks to the African World Cup 7's qualifiers
The Lady Cranes had their second trials this weekend with head coach David Mutaka, assistant coach Robert Sseguya and the director of Uganda rugby, David Dobela looking to select the final 12 woman team for the IRB African World Cup qualifiers on the 20th and 21st September 2008 in Kampala, Uganda. 9 teams have confirmed their participation including top seeds South Africa, and last year's CAR semifinalists Kenya and Tunisia. Other countries that will take part are Botswana, Cote d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Mutaka will most likely pick his Lady Cranes squad from the following.
Forwards: Christine Kizito, *Josephine Namayega, Winnie Atyang, *Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, *Dorothy Nekesa, Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds), *Aliya Adania (Rangers), *Fortunate Irankunda, *Brenda Kayiyi ( Black Panthers)
Backs: *Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Charlotte Mudoola, *Mary Kyoita (Rangers), Asha Ssonko, Harriet Kayonjo, Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)
Mutaka will miss the services of Joan Andika (Rangers) on the wing as she picked up an injury in the first trials that will rule her out for the next 3 months.
*uncapped for 7's
ugrugbychiclet
Mutaka will most likely pick his Lady Cranes squad from the following.
Forwards: Christine Kizito, *Josephine Namayega, Winnie Atyang, *Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, *Dorothy Nekesa, Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds), *Aliya Adania (Rangers), *Fortunate Irankunda, *Brenda Kayiyi ( Black Panthers)
Backs: *Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Charlotte Mudoola, *Mary Kyoita (Rangers), Asha Ssonko, Harriet Kayonjo, Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)
Mutaka will miss the services of Joan Andika (Rangers) on the wing as she picked up an injury in the first trials that will rule her out for the next 3 months.
*uncapped for 7's
ugrugbychiclet
Friday, August 22, 2008
Kenyan women get first win against Ugandans
The Ugandan and Kenyan women faced each other for the return leg of the Elgon Cup in sunny conditions at the RFUEA grounds on Ngong Road in Nairobi. The Kenyans kicked off to the Ugandans and followed the kick through to put pressure on the Lady Cranes. The pressure paid off as the Kenyans were eventually rewarded with a penalty after a high tackle by Helen Buteme. They opted to go for posts and Angela Olum kicked in 3 points to take an early lead in the 15th minute. Buoyed on by their early lead the Kenyan women kept their counterparts pinned in their 22 and in the 30th minute a mis – kick by Asha Ssonko into the opponents hands resulted in the ball going out wide to Kenyan winger, Irene Namayi who touched down to take the score up to 08 – 00. Surprisingly, Angela Olum missed the conversion and the opportunity to take their points up to 10.
The Ugandan pack was impressive and turned over ball in the scrums and dominated the lineouts through Stella Bakole and Ann Tumwine. Stella won all her lineouts and went one better by stealing a couple of the opposition line outs as well. The lanky number 8 topped off her sterling aerial performance with an inspired game at the base of the scrum and combined well with the scrumhalf Charlotte Mudoola who put in an excellent performance throughout the game. However, the Ugandan back line was flat and static meaning the fly half, Helen, had no platform from which to operate and was forced to kick away vital possession that the forwards had worked had to retain. The Kenyan backline on the other hand was well coordinated with fly half Doreen Remour working in tandem with her centres both in defence and attack. Just before half time, the Ugandans were awarded a penalty in front of the posts for an infringement in the ruck but Rachel Kakaire fluffed the easy kick meaning the Ugandans went into the halftime break trailing 08 – 00.
The second half saw the Ugandans piling pressure on the Kenyans through the forwards and they were rewarded with a penalty on the 5 minutes into the half. A quickly taken penalty saw Joan Andika scoring for Uganda. Rachel converted to bring the Ugandans one point behind the Kenyans. Kicks deep into Kenyan territory by Helen kept the Kenyans on the back foot and great retention of possession by the Ugandan forwards resulted in the Ugandans being awarded 2 penalties in front of the posts in the 65th and 75th minutes that Rachel slotted in to take the Ugandans ahead by 5 points. The match seesawed either way with neither team taking advantage of possession. In the last minute when the game was all but won for the Ugandans, the Kenyans turned over the ball after a pick and drive move off the scrum by the Ugandans and swung the ball out to the Irene Namayi on the wing who scored to level the game at 13 - 13. Angela Olum made no mistake this time and nailed the conversion to give the Kenyans their first win.
Irene Awino, standing in for the injured Anita Omondi at fullback for Kenya had an impressive game and was easily the player of the match.
The Ugandans however won the Elgon cup for 2008 as they had a higher aggregate, 31 – 22 (18 – 07 first leg, 13 – 15 second leg).
Attention now turns to the 7’s world cup qualifiers next month.
Uganda:
1 Fortunate Irankunda (Josephine Namayega)
2 Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi
3 Warry Nambirige
4 Christine Kizito (captain)
5 Anne Tumwine
6 Brenda Kayiyi (Winnie Atyang)
7 Dorothy Nekesa (Stella Kyalikunda)
8 Stella Bakole
9 Charlotte Mudoola
10 Helen Buteme
11 Sauda Adiru
12 Joan Namuyomba
13 Asha Ssonko (vice captain) (Harriet Kayonjo)
14 Joan Andika (Prossy Nakakande)
15 Rachel Kakaire
Replacements:
16 Stella Kyalikunda
17 Josephine Namayega
18 Winnie Atyang
19 Aliya Adania
20 Prossy Nakakande
21 Harriet Kayonjo
Officials: Sam Ahamya (coach)
Jackie Kigozi (tean manager)
Connie Olwit (team doctor)
Tries: Joan Andika (1)
Conversions: Rachel Kakaire (1)
Penalties: Rachel Kakaire (2)
Kenya:
1 Camylyn Awuor
2 Stacy Awuor
3 Agnes King’ori (Emily Achieng)
4 Millicent Opala
5 Rachael Adhiambo
6 Angela Olum
7 Adelaide Nasambu
8 Mary Otieno (Philadelphia Olando)
9 Mary Musieka
10 Doreen Remour
11 Rebecca Kerubo
12 Nereah Awino
13 Celestine Navalayo (captain)
14 Irene Namayi
15 Irene Awino
Replacements:
16 Rubina Wambui
17 Janet Midecha
18 Abadeen Shikhoyi
19 Kezia Adhiambo
20 Emily Achieng
21 Philadelphia Olando
22 Judy Ageng’o.
Officials: Sammy Kemmey (coach)
Josephine Were (team manager)
Gerald Omondi (physiotherapist)
Tries: Irene Namayi (2)
Conversions: Angela Olum (1)
Penalties: Angela Olum (1)
Yellow cards: Millicent Opalla
ugrugbychiclet
The Ugandan pack was impressive and turned over ball in the scrums and dominated the lineouts through Stella Bakole and Ann Tumwine. Stella won all her lineouts and went one better by stealing a couple of the opposition line outs as well. The lanky number 8 topped off her sterling aerial performance with an inspired game at the base of the scrum and combined well with the scrumhalf Charlotte Mudoola who put in an excellent performance throughout the game. However, the Ugandan back line was flat and static meaning the fly half, Helen, had no platform from which to operate and was forced to kick away vital possession that the forwards had worked had to retain. The Kenyan backline on the other hand was well coordinated with fly half Doreen Remour working in tandem with her centres both in defence and attack. Just before half time, the Ugandans were awarded a penalty in front of the posts for an infringement in the ruck but Rachel Kakaire fluffed the easy kick meaning the Ugandans went into the halftime break trailing 08 – 00.
The second half saw the Ugandans piling pressure on the Kenyans through the forwards and they were rewarded with a penalty on the 5 minutes into the half. A quickly taken penalty saw Joan Andika scoring for Uganda. Rachel converted to bring the Ugandans one point behind the Kenyans. Kicks deep into Kenyan territory by Helen kept the Kenyans on the back foot and great retention of possession by the Ugandan forwards resulted in the Ugandans being awarded 2 penalties in front of the posts in the 65th and 75th minutes that Rachel slotted in to take the Ugandans ahead by 5 points. The match seesawed either way with neither team taking advantage of possession. In the last minute when the game was all but won for the Ugandans, the Kenyans turned over the ball after a pick and drive move off the scrum by the Ugandans and swung the ball out to the Irene Namayi on the wing who scored to level the game at 13 - 13. Angela Olum made no mistake this time and nailed the conversion to give the Kenyans their first win.
Irene Awino, standing in for the injured Anita Omondi at fullback for Kenya had an impressive game and was easily the player of the match.
The Ugandans however won the Elgon cup for 2008 as they had a higher aggregate, 31 – 22 (18 – 07 first leg, 13 – 15 second leg).
Attention now turns to the 7’s world cup qualifiers next month.
Uganda:
1 Fortunate Irankunda (Josephine Namayega)
2 Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi
3 Warry Nambirige
4 Christine Kizito (captain)
5 Anne Tumwine
6 Brenda Kayiyi (Winnie Atyang)
7 Dorothy Nekesa (Stella Kyalikunda)
8 Stella Bakole
9 Charlotte Mudoola
10 Helen Buteme
11 Sauda Adiru
12 Joan Namuyomba
13 Asha Ssonko (vice captain) (Harriet Kayonjo)
14 Joan Andika (Prossy Nakakande)
15 Rachel Kakaire
Replacements:
16 Stella Kyalikunda
17 Josephine Namayega
18 Winnie Atyang
19 Aliya Adania
20 Prossy Nakakande
21 Harriet Kayonjo
Officials: Sam Ahamya (coach)
Jackie Kigozi (tean manager)
Connie Olwit (team doctor)
Tries: Joan Andika (1)
Conversions: Rachel Kakaire (1)
Penalties: Rachel Kakaire (2)
Kenya:
1 Camylyn Awuor
2 Stacy Awuor
3 Agnes King’ori (Emily Achieng)
4 Millicent Opala
5 Rachael Adhiambo
6 Angela Olum
7 Adelaide Nasambu
8 Mary Otieno (Philadelphia Olando)
9 Mary Musieka
10 Doreen Remour
11 Rebecca Kerubo
12 Nereah Awino
13 Celestine Navalayo (captain)
14 Irene Namayi
15 Irene Awino
Replacements:
16 Rubina Wambui
17 Janet Midecha
18 Abadeen Shikhoyi
19 Kezia Adhiambo
20 Emily Achieng
21 Philadelphia Olando
22 Judy Ageng’o.
Officials: Sammy Kemmey (coach)
Josephine Were (team manager)
Gerald Omondi (physiotherapist)
Tries: Irene Namayi (2)
Conversions: Angela Olum (1)
Penalties: Angela Olum (1)
Yellow cards: Millicent Opalla
ugrugbychiclet
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Ugandan and Kenyan squads for Elgon Cup return leg
Lady Cranes travel to Nairobi today for the return leg of the Elgon Cup that will be on August 16, 2008 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground. Lady Cranes won the first encounter 18 -07 in May and have an 11 point difference. Ugandan coach Sam Ahamya has made just 2 changes to his squad: Harriet Kayonjo gets back into the squad to replace Hadija Namuyanja while Alice Nankyonyi makes room for Aliya Adania to earn her first cap.
The Lady Cranes’ squad
Forwards
Warry Nambirige (Rangers)
*Aliya Adania (Rangers)
Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers)
Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers)
Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds)
Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds)
Christine Kizito – captain (Thunderbirds)
Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds)
Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds)
Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds)
Evelyn Aweku (Thunderbirds)
Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds)
Winnie Atiang (Thunderbirds)
Backs
Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers)
Helen Buteme (Black Panthers)
Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers)
Joan Andika (Rangers)
Asha Ssonko – vice captain (Thunderbirds)
Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)
Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds)
Joan Namuyomba (Thunderbirds)
Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds)
Head Coach: Sam Ahamya
Assistant Coach: Ramsey Olinga
Team Manager: Jackie Kigozi
Team Doctor: Connie Olwit
Kenyan coach Sammy Kemmey has also made a few changes to his side as he loses the services of Anita Omondi through injury but Rebecca Kerubo gets the nod and will earn her first cap for Kenya. This time round Kemmey has paid special attention to the lineouts, a department in which Uganda dominated and has instructed his kickers to go for territory to relieve pressure as much as possible.
The Kenyan squad
Forwards
Emily Achieng (Mwamba Invaders)
Camilyne Awuor (Mwamba Invaders)
Mary Atieno (Mwamba Invaders)
Angela Olum (Mwamba Invaders)
Millicent Opalla (Mwamba Invaders)
Aberdeen Shikhoyi (Mwamba Invaders)
Philadelphia Olando (Mwamba Invaders)
Agnes Wambui (Mwamba Invaders)
Yvonne Makwali (Mwamba Invaders)
Adelaide Nasambu (Rovers)
Stacy Awuor (Vivi Girls)
Janet Midecha (Vivi Girls)
Backs
Mary Musieka (Mwamba Invaders)
Doreen Remour (Mwamba Invaders)
Nereah Awino (Mwamba Invaders)
Celestine Navalayo (captain) (Mwamba Invaders)
*Rebecca Kerubo (Mwamba Invaders)
Irene Namayi (Rovers)
Judy Agengo (Rovers)
Rachael Adhiambo (Rovers)
Robina Wambui (Vivi Girls)
Kezia Awuor (Vivi Girls)
Coach: Sammy Kemmey
Team manager: Mike Mwanja
Team Physiotherapist: Gerald Omondi
* denotes first cap
ugrugbychiclet
The Lady Cranes’ squad
Forwards
Warry Nambirige (Rangers)
*Aliya Adania (Rangers)
Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers)
Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers)
Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds)
Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds)
Christine Kizito – captain (Thunderbirds)
Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds)
Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds)
Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds)
Evelyn Aweku (Thunderbirds)
Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds)
Winnie Atiang (Thunderbirds)
Backs
Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers)
Helen Buteme (Black Panthers)
Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers)
Joan Andika (Rangers)
Asha Ssonko – vice captain (Thunderbirds)
Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)
Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds)
Joan Namuyomba (Thunderbirds)
Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds)
Head Coach: Sam Ahamya
Assistant Coach: Ramsey Olinga
Team Manager: Jackie Kigozi
Team Doctor: Connie Olwit
Kenyan coach Sammy Kemmey has also made a few changes to his side as he loses the services of Anita Omondi through injury but Rebecca Kerubo gets the nod and will earn her first cap for Kenya. This time round Kemmey has paid special attention to the lineouts, a department in which Uganda dominated and has instructed his kickers to go for territory to relieve pressure as much as possible.
The Kenyan squad
Forwards
Emily Achieng (Mwamba Invaders)
Camilyne Awuor (Mwamba Invaders)
Mary Atieno (Mwamba Invaders)
Angela Olum (Mwamba Invaders)
Millicent Opalla (Mwamba Invaders)
Aberdeen Shikhoyi (Mwamba Invaders)
Philadelphia Olando (Mwamba Invaders)
Agnes Wambui (Mwamba Invaders)
Yvonne Makwali (Mwamba Invaders)
Adelaide Nasambu (Rovers)
Stacy Awuor (Vivi Girls)
Janet Midecha (Vivi Girls)
Backs
Mary Musieka (Mwamba Invaders)
Doreen Remour (Mwamba Invaders)
Nereah Awino (Mwamba Invaders)
Celestine Navalayo (captain) (Mwamba Invaders)
*Rebecca Kerubo (Mwamba Invaders)
Irene Namayi (Rovers)
Judy Agengo (Rovers)
Rachael Adhiambo (Rovers)
Robina Wambui (Vivi Girls)
Kezia Awuor (Vivi Girls)
Coach: Sammy Kemmey
Team manager: Mike Mwanja
Team Physiotherapist: Gerald Omondi
* denotes first cap
ugrugbychiclet
Monday, August 11, 2008
Elgon Cup return leg
The Lady Cranes 15 aside team is this week finalising its preparations for the return leg of the Elgon Cup scheduled for 16th August in Nairobi, Kenya. Lady Cranes won the Kampala fixture 18 - 07 and will be looking to win away from home although they will have to counter the vocal Kenyan fans. Lady Cranes narrowly beat the Kenyans 03 -00 in 2006 in Nairobi.
I have not yet got information on the final 15's squad but will post it as soon as I get it.
ugrugbychiclet
I have not yet got information on the final 15's squad but will post it as soon as I get it.
ugrugbychiclet
Monday, July 28, 2008
Black Panthers top 7's series, South Africa cancel 7's tournament
Black Panthers topped the UWRA women's 7's series after winning the last tournament on July 19th. They were crowned the women's 7's champions with Thunderbirds settling for second place. Rangers finished the 3 team series in third position.
Meanwhile, it is bad news again for David Mutaka and the Lady Cranes 7's team as South Africa has cancelled the international 7's tournament that was scheduled to take place from 7th to 9th August. England, Australia and USA were among the teams that had confirmed their participation and Uganda was hoping to use the tournament to gauge themselves.
In other news, Sam Ahamya is taking the 15 aside team through their drills in preparation for the return leg of the Elgon Cup that will be held in Nairobi on August 16th. South African, Eugenia Daniels, will be the centre referee.
ugrugbychiclet
Meanwhile, it is bad news again for David Mutaka and the Lady Cranes 7's team as South Africa has cancelled the international 7's tournament that was scheduled to take place from 7th to 9th August. England, Australia and USA were among the teams that had confirmed their participation and Uganda was hoping to use the tournament to gauge themselves.
In other news, Sam Ahamya is taking the 15 aside team through their drills in preparation for the return leg of the Elgon Cup that will be held in Nairobi on August 16th. South African, Eugenia Daniels, will be the centre referee.
ugrugbychiclet
Thursday, July 17, 2008
UWRA 7's series
As the UWRA 7's series draws to a close, Black Panthers are the surprise leaders after winning the last 2 tournaments. Thunderbirds are closely behind and Rangers is a distant third.
The UWRA 7's tournaments have been a revelation with previously unknown players such as Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers), Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers), Mary Kyoita (Rangers), Aliya Adania (Rangers) and 15 year old sensation Regina Athieno (Black Panthers) making their mark on the women's game.
ugrugbychiclet
The UWRA 7's tournaments have been a revelation with previously unknown players such as Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers), Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers), Mary Kyoita (Rangers), Aliya Adania (Rangers) and 15 year old sensation Regina Athieno (Black Panthers) making their mark on the women's game.
ugrugbychiclet
South Africa 7's and Elgon Cup
Although the names have not yet been officially released, a squad of 20 players are undergoing fitness drills under Doctor Arthur Kwizera. David Mutaka is preparing his squad for the international 7's tournament that will be held in South Africa next month. England, USA and Australia are some of the top teams from outside of Africa that the Ugandan ladies will face. The tournament will be an important build up for the Lady Cranes before the World Cup qualifiers where they shall battle it out with South Africa, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe for one of the two slots alloted to Africa.
The 15 aside national team is also training under Sam Ahamya and Ramsey Olinga for the return leg of the Elgon Cup that will held on 16th August in Nairobi. Ahamya is working on strengthening his squad at the breakdowns as the Kenyans were a notch superior in that aspect of the game.
ugrugbychiclet
Monday, May 26, 2008
Uganda triumph over Kenya in Elgon Cup curtain raiser
The Ugandan women (Lady Cranes) hosted their Kenyan counterparts at Kampala Rugby Club on 24th May in a curtain raiser game to the men's international. The Kenyan women kicked off and for the first 10 minutes the Ugandan players were locked in their 22 as they fumbled their passes and made numerous handling errors and seemed to be a collective bundle of nerves. The Ugandans eventually settled into the game and the back 3 were easily able to field the kicks from Kenyan fly half Doreen Remour and begun to punish the Kenyans for giving away possession with well placed kicks by Helen Buteme and Rachel Kakaire over their isolated fullback making it hard for them to advance out of their 22.
Ugandan captain Christine Kizito led her troops from the front when she made several runs through the Kenyans and was unlucky to be stopped short of the try line each time. The Kenyan pack dominated the scrums making it difficult for the Ugandan scrumhalf Joan Andika to get clean ball away to her backs. In the lineouts Stella Bakole won all her balls and succeeded in stealing half of the Kenyans throws while in open play the Ugandan backs and forwards dominated and the Kenyans soon succumbed to pressure and gave away numerous penalties. Rachel Kakaire missed an easy kick from infront of the posts but made up for it by slotting another penalty to put the hosts ahead 03-00. A penalty on the 5 resulted in a try after Joan Andika tapped and passed it to hard hitting Fortunate Irankunda who drove over the try line. Kakaire easily converted it to take the score to 10-00. The Kenyan fullback, Anita Omondi, was given a yellow card for punching Joan Andika while the Ugandan scrumhalf was also sent to the sin bin for retaliating meaning that both teams were down to 14 players for 10 minutes just before the break. A series of slick passes between Charlotte Mudoola, Hadija Namuyanja and Helen Buteme set up vice captain Asha Ssonko who broke 3 tackles and then made a 50 metre run to score in the corner. Kakaire missed the conversion and the Lady Cranes went into the break 15 - 00 ahead.
The second half saw Lady Cranes dominating possession but despite that the scrumhalf was still unable to get the ball out to the backs and Lady Cranes were unable to create any real try scoring opportunities. The Kenyan scrumhalf, Mary Musieka caused all sorts of trouble for the Ugandan girls (both in defence and attack) and supplied good ball to her flyhalf. In a rare foray into the Ugandan's 5, the Kenyan girls got their first points ever against Uganda (in 15 aside rugby) when the referee awarded a penalty try for a high tackle by Kakaire on their winger Irene Namayi. Angela Olum converted to bring the scores to 15-07. This revitalised the Kenyans and quick hands down the back line released Doreen Remour (the Kenyan player of the day) who looked sure to score after breaking 2 tackles and making a 40 metre sprint down the wing. Unluckily for the Kenyans, Remour was chased down by Helen Buteme and tackled in the 5 off the pitch. That was the closest the Kenyans got to scoring and spent the remainder of the game in their half. In the last minute of the game, Rachel Kakaire nailed another penalty to end the game at 18 - 07. The return leg will be held in August in Nairobi on a date yet to be confirmed.
Lady Cranes
1. Warry Nambirige (Rangers)
2. Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds)
3. Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers)
4. Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds)
5. Christine Kizito (captain) (Thunderbirds)
6. *Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers)
7. Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds)
8. Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds)
9. Joan Andika (Rangers)
10. Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers)
11. Asha Ssonko (vice captain) (Thunderbirds)
12. Hadija Namuyanja (Rangers)
13. Helen Buteme (Black Panthers)
14. Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)
15. Rachel Kakire (Thunderbirds)
16. Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds)
17. Alice Nakyonyi (Thunderbirds)
18. Evelyn Aweku (Thunderbirds)
19. Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds)
20. Winnie Atyang (Thunderbirds)
21. *Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers)
22. Joan Namuyomba (Thunderbirds)
Coach: Sam Ahamya
Assistant: Ramsey Olinga
Tries: Fortunate Irankunda (1), Asha Ssonko (1)
Conversions: Rachel Kakaire (1)
Penalties: Rachel Kakaire (2)
Yellow cards: Joan Andika
Replacements: Stella Kyalikunda for Brenda Kayiyi, Winnie Atyang for Dorothy Nekesa, Josephine Namayega for Ann Tumwine, Alice Nankyonyi for Warry Nambirige and Joan Namuyomba for Joan Andika.
Kenya
1. Emily Achieng (Mwamba Invaders)
2. Camilyne Awuor (Mwamba Invaders)
3. Mary Atieno (Mwamba Invaders)
4. Angela Olum (Mwamba Invaders)
5. *Millicent Opalla (Mwamba Invaders)
6. Aberdeen Shikhoyi (Mwamba Invaders)
7. Philadelphia Olando (Mwamba Invaders)
8. Adeline Nasambu (Rovers)
9. Mary Musieka (Mwamba Invaders)
10. Doreen Remour (Mwamba Invaders)
11. Irene Namayi (Rovers)
12. Judy Agengo (Rovers)
13. Nereah Awino (Mwamba Invaders)
14. Celestine Navalayo (captain) (Mwamba Invaders)
15. Anita Omondi (Mwamba Invaders)
16. *Stacy Awuor (Vivi Girls)
17. Dorcas Ndanu (Rovers)
18. *Janet Midecha (Vivi Girls)
19. Rachael Adhiambo (Rovers)
20. Yvonne Makwali (Mwamba Invaders)
21. *Rubina Wambui (Vivi Girls)
22. *Kezia Awuor (Vivi Girls)
Coach: Sammy Kemmey
Tries: Penalty try
Conversions: Angela Olum (1)
Yellow cards: Anita Omondi
Replacements: Stacy Awuor for Emily Achieng, Yvonne Makwali for Aberdeen Shikhoyi and Kezia Awuor for Judy Agengo.
* denotes first 15 aside caps
ugrugbychiclet
Ugandan captain Christine Kizito led her troops from the front when she made several runs through the Kenyans and was unlucky to be stopped short of the try line each time. The Kenyan pack dominated the scrums making it difficult for the Ugandan scrumhalf Joan Andika to get clean ball away to her backs. In the lineouts Stella Bakole won all her balls and succeeded in stealing half of the Kenyans throws while in open play the Ugandan backs and forwards dominated and the Kenyans soon succumbed to pressure and gave away numerous penalties. Rachel Kakaire missed an easy kick from infront of the posts but made up for it by slotting another penalty to put the hosts ahead 03-00. A penalty on the 5 resulted in a try after Joan Andika tapped and passed it to hard hitting Fortunate Irankunda who drove over the try line. Kakaire easily converted it to take the score to 10-00. The Kenyan fullback, Anita Omondi, was given a yellow card for punching Joan Andika while the Ugandan scrumhalf was also sent to the sin bin for retaliating meaning that both teams were down to 14 players for 10 minutes just before the break. A series of slick passes between Charlotte Mudoola, Hadija Namuyanja and Helen Buteme set up vice captain Asha Ssonko who broke 3 tackles and then made a 50 metre run to score in the corner. Kakaire missed the conversion and the Lady Cranes went into the break 15 - 00 ahead.
The second half saw Lady Cranes dominating possession but despite that the scrumhalf was still unable to get the ball out to the backs and Lady Cranes were unable to create any real try scoring opportunities. The Kenyan scrumhalf, Mary Musieka caused all sorts of trouble for the Ugandan girls (both in defence and attack) and supplied good ball to her flyhalf. In a rare foray into the Ugandan's 5, the Kenyan girls got their first points ever against Uganda (in 15 aside rugby) when the referee awarded a penalty try for a high tackle by Kakaire on their winger Irene Namayi. Angela Olum converted to bring the scores to 15-07. This revitalised the Kenyans and quick hands down the back line released Doreen Remour (the Kenyan player of the day) who looked sure to score after breaking 2 tackles and making a 40 metre sprint down the wing. Unluckily for the Kenyans, Remour was chased down by Helen Buteme and tackled in the 5 off the pitch. That was the closest the Kenyans got to scoring and spent the remainder of the game in their half. In the last minute of the game, Rachel Kakaire nailed another penalty to end the game at 18 - 07. The return leg will be held in August in Nairobi on a date yet to be confirmed.
Lady Cranes
1. Warry Nambirige (Rangers)
2. Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds)
3. Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers)
4. Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds)
5. Christine Kizito (captain) (Thunderbirds)
6. *Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers)
7. Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds)
8. Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds)
9. Joan Andika (Rangers)
10. Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers)
11. Asha Ssonko (vice captain) (Thunderbirds)
12. Hadija Namuyanja (Rangers)
13. Helen Buteme (Black Panthers)
14. Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)
15. Rachel Kakire (Thunderbirds)
16. Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds)
17. Alice Nakyonyi (Thunderbirds)
18. Evelyn Aweku (Thunderbirds)
19. Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds)
20. Winnie Atyang (Thunderbirds)
21. *Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers)
22. Joan Namuyomba (Thunderbirds)
Coach: Sam Ahamya
Assistant: Ramsey Olinga
Tries: Fortunate Irankunda (1), Asha Ssonko (1)
Conversions: Rachel Kakaire (1)
Penalties: Rachel Kakaire (2)
Yellow cards: Joan Andika
Replacements: Stella Kyalikunda for Brenda Kayiyi, Winnie Atyang for Dorothy Nekesa, Josephine Namayega for Ann Tumwine, Alice Nankyonyi for Warry Nambirige and Joan Namuyomba for Joan Andika.
Kenya
1. Emily Achieng (Mwamba Invaders)
2. Camilyne Awuor (Mwamba Invaders)
3. Mary Atieno (Mwamba Invaders)
4. Angela Olum (Mwamba Invaders)
5. *Millicent Opalla (Mwamba Invaders)
6. Aberdeen Shikhoyi (Mwamba Invaders)
7. Philadelphia Olando (Mwamba Invaders)
8. Adeline Nasambu (Rovers)
9. Mary Musieka (Mwamba Invaders)
10. Doreen Remour (Mwamba Invaders)
11. Irene Namayi (Rovers)
12. Judy Agengo (Rovers)
13. Nereah Awino (Mwamba Invaders)
14. Celestine Navalayo (captain) (Mwamba Invaders)
15. Anita Omondi (Mwamba Invaders)
16. *Stacy Awuor (Vivi Girls)
17. Dorcas Ndanu (Rovers)
18. *Janet Midecha (Vivi Girls)
19. Rachael Adhiambo (Rovers)
20. Yvonne Makwali (Mwamba Invaders)
21. *Rubina Wambui (Vivi Girls)
22. *Kezia Awuor (Vivi Girls)
Coach: Sammy Kemmey
Tries: Penalty try
Conversions: Angela Olum (1)
Yellow cards: Anita Omondi
Replacements: Stacy Awuor for Emily Achieng, Yvonne Makwali for Aberdeen Shikhoyi and Kezia Awuor for Judy Agengo.
* denotes first 15 aside caps
ugrugbychiclet
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Kyadondo 7's postponed
The annual Kyadondo 7's tournament has been postponed from May 17th to June 21st as the Kenyan and Rwandan teams invited were yet to confirm their participation. The Kenyan club sides have the bulk of their players in the Kenyan national team set to play Lady Cranes in Kampala on May 24th. The dates of the Kyadondo 7's and the Elgon are too close to allow the clubs and KRFU to plan properly for both the trips.
Meanwhile, Thunderbirds currently leads the UWRA womens 7's 3 team league with 18 points, closely followed by Black Panthers on 16 points with Rangers at the bottom with 11 points. The league has taken a break as the players prepare for the Elgon Cup.
Meanwhile, Thunderbirds currently leads the UWRA womens 7's 3 team league with 18 points, closely followed by Black Panthers on 16 points with Rangers at the bottom with 11 points. The league has taken a break as the players prepare for the Elgon Cup.
Christine Kizito takes over as MVP
At the long delayed 2007 URU gala night on 10th May, the Lady Cranes 7's team was lauded for their display in 2007 but were exhorted to go one better and dethrone South Africa as the African 7's champions and qualifiy for the 2009 IRB 7's world cup. South African David Dobela will be returning to Uganda to assist David Mutaka in the women's bid to qualify for the world cup. The top two African women's teams in the qualifiers to be held in September in Uganda will represent Africa at the world cup. In a bid to boost the 7's squad, Uganda Telecom has pledged sponsorship for the women's 7's team.
In the awards part of the night, Christine Kizito beat nominees Charlotte Mudoola and Helen Buteme to take the women's Most Valuable Player award becoming the 3rd woman to take home the coveted trophy. In an effort to encourage the development of womens rugby URU introduced the Most Promising Player award for the women which was taken by Aliya Adania.
Past MVPs:
2007 - Christine Kizito
2006 - Rachel Kakaire
2005 - Helen Buteme
2004 - Helen Buteme
Most Promising Player:
2007 - Aliya Adania
ugrugbychiclet
In the awards part of the night, Christine Kizito beat nominees Charlotte Mudoola and Helen Buteme to take the women's Most Valuable Player award becoming the 3rd woman to take home the coveted trophy. In an effort to encourage the development of womens rugby URU introduced the Most Promising Player award for the women which was taken by Aliya Adania.
Past MVPs:
2007 - Christine Kizito
2006 - Rachel Kakaire
2005 - Helen Buteme
2004 - Helen Buteme
Most Promising Player:
2007 - Aliya Adania
ugrugbychiclet
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Elgon Cup tie against Kenya first on the agenda for Lady Cranes
A squad of 31 players selected from Rangers, Thunderbirds and Black Panthers are currently undergoing intense drills 4 times a week under the coaching duo of Sam Ahamya and Ramsey Olinga as they ready themselves for what is billed to be a titanic clash against neighbouring rivals Kenya in a 15 aside curtain raiser game during the Elgon Cup on May 24th in Kampala. Over the years, the Kenyan women have narrowed the gap between the two countries and Ahamya is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the Lady Cranes are well prepared for the first international game of the year. Christine Kizito, Charlotte Mudoola and Helen Buteme are some of the players that are expected to spearhead the Lady Cranes’ quest for victory.
ugrugbychiclet
The full list of Lady Cranes players:
PROPS:
Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds)
Alice Nakyonyi (Thunderbirds)
Evelyn Aweku (Thunderbirds)
Warry Nambirige (Rangers)
Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers)
HOOKERS:
Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds)
*Aliya Adania (Rangers)
*Mariam Akello (Thunderbirds)
*Mariam Akello (Thunderbirds)
LOCKS:
Winnie Atyang (Thunderbirds)
Stella Abeja (Thunderbirds)
Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds)
Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds)
*Hellen Gizamba (Black Panthers)
*Claire Anena (Black Panthers)
BACK ROW:
Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds)
Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds)
Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds)
Mary Nakanyike (Thunderbirds)
*Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers)
SCRUMHALVES:
Joan Andika (Rangers)
*Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers)
FLYHALVES:
Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers)
Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)
CENTRES:
Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds)
Joan Namuyomba (Thunderbirds)
Hadija Namuyanja (Rangers)
Helen Buteme (Black Panthers)
WINGERS:
Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds)
Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds)
*Hamida Nankabirwa (Rangers)
*Mary Kyoita (Rangers)
* denotes uncapped players for the 15 aside game.
Meanwhile, across the border, the Kenyan women are being taken through their paces by Sammy Kemmey and Benjamin Ayimba. Some of the players in training are Angela Olum, Celestine Masinde, Anita Omondi, Doreen Remour, Yvonne Makwali, Nereah Awino, Camilyn Awuor, Irene Awuor, Mary Otieno, Mary Musieka, Philadelphia Olando, Dorcas Ndanu, Robina Wambui, Millicent Opalla, Abadeen Shikhoyi, Irene Namayi, Laventa Otieno, Judy Asiyo, Peris Mukoko, Sarah Otieno, Alice Akinyi, Samantha Mary, Maureen Minayo, Judy Agengo, Janet Midecha, Rachel Adhiambo, Kezia Achieng, Florence Awuor, Adelaide Nasambu, Caroline Nyambura and Stacey Awuor. Key players Irene Nyakundi and Linda Anyango are doubtful for the fixture as they both have knee injuries that may require surgery.
Meanwhile, across the border, the Kenyan women are being taken through their paces by Sammy Kemmey and Benjamin Ayimba. Some of the players in training are Angela Olum, Celestine Masinde, Anita Omondi, Doreen Remour, Yvonne Makwali, Nereah Awino, Camilyn Awuor, Irene Awuor, Mary Otieno, Mary Musieka, Philadelphia Olando, Dorcas Ndanu, Robina Wambui, Millicent Opalla, Abadeen Shikhoyi, Irene Namayi, Laventa Otieno, Judy Asiyo, Peris Mukoko, Sarah Otieno, Alice Akinyi, Samantha Mary, Maureen Minayo, Judy Agengo, Janet Midecha, Rachel Adhiambo, Kezia Achieng, Florence Awuor, Adelaide Nasambu, Caroline Nyambura and Stacey Awuor. Key players Irene Nyakundi and Linda Anyango are doubtful for the fixture as they both have knee injuries that may require surgery.
ugrugbychiclet
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Women's 7's Cup in South Africa
South Africa Rugby Union (SARU) has invited the Lady Cranes to participate in the inaugural Africa Women’s Cup 7’s Tournament being held in East London from the 7th to 9th August 2008. 16 teams tournament from all around the world have been invited: South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Tunisia, Morroco, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, England, Wales, France, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Samoa. The organizers see this high profile rugby tournament as an opportunity for teams to prepare for the IRB7’s World Cup in 2009. The final day of the tournament (9th August) also coincides with the South African National Women’s Day.
After opting out of the Tunisia Easter tournament due to lack of funds, the Lady Cranes will be glad to have a chance to get some games under their belts before the African World Cup qualifiers that are slated for September.
ugrugbychiclet
After opting out of the Tunisia Easter tournament due to lack of funds, the Lady Cranes will be glad to have a chance to get some games under their belts before the African World Cup qualifiers that are slated for September.
ugrugbychiclet
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Rugby World Cup Sevens qualifiers announced
According to an article on the IRB.COM website, Rugby World Cup Limited has confirmed the locations and the dates for the remaining Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 Qualifying Tournaments. Brazil was the first team to qualify for the women’s World Cup after winning the South America qualifier that was held in Uruguay in January this year. 15 more teams are left to qualify for the inaugural women’s competition. In addition to Brazil, two qualifiers will come from Africa, two from North America, three from Asia, six from Europe and two from Oceania.
• Europe - Limoges, France, June 14/15
• Oceania – Samoa, July 25/26
• Africa - Uganda, September 20/21
• Asia - Hong Kong, October 4/5
• North America and Caribbean - Bahamas, October 25/26
Meanwhile 10 teams have been invited to compete in the African qualifier:
South Africa
Uganda
Tunisia
Kenya
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Madagascar
Cote d’Ivoire
Botswana
Nigeria
Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi will not participate in the qualifiers as they are not IRB members.
In other news, Uganda pulled out of the CAR North tournament that is being held this Easter weekend in Tunisia due to financial constraints. This was a blow to the team as it was probably its only chance to play decent opposition before the World Cup qualifiers.
• Europe - Limoges, France, June 14/15
• Oceania – Samoa, July 25/26
• Africa - Uganda, September 20/21
• Asia - Hong Kong, October 4/5
• North America and Caribbean - Bahamas, October 25/26
Meanwhile 10 teams have been invited to compete in the African qualifier:
South Africa
Uganda
Tunisia
Kenya
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Madagascar
Cote d’Ivoire
Botswana
Nigeria
Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi will not participate in the qualifiers as they are not IRB members.
In other news, Uganda pulled out of the CAR North tournament that is being held this Easter weekend in Tunisia due to financial constraints. This was a blow to the team as it was probably its only chance to play decent opposition before the World Cup qualifiers.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Women's qualifiers challenge
The 2 African slots will be fiercely competed for by the top 5 nations in the 7's world cup qualifiers to be held this year. Reigning champs South Africa will have to fight off a stiff challenge from Uganda (2), Kenya (3), Tunisia (4) and Zambia (5). Other teams that will take part in the qualifiers are Rwanda, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
Earlier this month, South Africa travelled to San Diego for build up games against the American and Canadian national teams as well as select USA and Canadian sides. Kenya and Uganda have been invited for the Tunis 7's to be held on March 21 and 22. The KRFU director in-charge of national squads revealed that it was an important invitation as the women needed quality tournaments to help in their prepartations for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers. The Ugandans also intend to use the Tunis 7's as a build up for the qualifiers.
The Lady Cranes under David Mutaka are *Alia Adania (Rangers), Joan Andika (Rangers), Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), *Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers), Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds), *Brenda Kayi (Black Panthers), Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds), Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds), Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds), *Loy Mbabazi (Black Panthers), Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers), *Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers), *Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds), Hadijah Namuyanja(Rangers), *Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds), Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds), and Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds).
*denotes an uncapped player (uncapped for 7's).
Earlier this month, South Africa travelled to San Diego for build up games against the American and Canadian national teams as well as select USA and Canadian sides. Kenya and Uganda have been invited for the Tunis 7's to be held on March 21 and 22. The KRFU director in-charge of national squads revealed that it was an important invitation as the women needed quality tournaments to help in their prepartations for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers. The Ugandans also intend to use the Tunis 7's as a build up for the qualifiers.
The Lady Cranes under David Mutaka are *Alia Adania (Rangers), Joan Andika (Rangers), Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), *Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers), Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds), *Brenda Kayi (Black Panthers), Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds), Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds), Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds), *Loy Mbabazi (Black Panthers), Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers), *Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers), *Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds), Hadijah Namuyanja(Rangers), *Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds), Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds), and Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds).
*denotes an uncapped player (uncapped for 7's).
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
2008 season so far
After a long break following the end of the Ugandan women’s 2007 rugby season, ugrugbychiclet is back. Not much to report but here goes:
According to the fixtures released by URU the annual Kampala Womens CAR 7’s tournament will be on June 21st and 22nd and two 15 aside games against Kenya on May 24th (home) and August 9th (away) as curtain raisers for the men’s Elgon Cup internationals. These games (for both the women and the men) may be in doubt though following the current political situation in Kenya at present. Kenya has been ravaged by violence since the last week of December 2007 after controversial presidential elections.
Meanwhile, URU has appointed David Mutaka to take over as the Lady Cranes 7 aside coach from Herbert Wafula who resigned last year. David Mutaka represented Uganda in both the 7 aside and 15 aside codes before retiring in 2006. Mutaka has a giant task ahead of him to ensure that the Lady Cranes qualify for the 7’s World Cup. If successful, Lady Cranes will be the ever first Ugandan team (across all sports- both female and male) to qualify for a World Cup.
In related news from around the globe, Brazil beat Argentina 45 – 00 in the final of the CONSUR (South American) qualifier to become the first country to qualify for 2009’s Women’s World Cup 7’s. The FIRA-AER (European) qualifier will be held in Limoges on June 14th and 15th – 6 teams will qualify from this event. The NAWIRA (North American and Caribbean) qualifier will be in the Bahamas on October 25th and 26th (2 teams will qualify) while the hosting countries and the dates of the ARFU (Asian – 3 teams will qualify), CAR (African – 2 teams will qualify) and FORU (Oceania – 2 teams will qualify) qualifiers and are yet to be announced.
ugrugbychiclet
According to the fixtures released by URU the annual Kampala Womens CAR 7’s tournament will be on June 21st and 22nd and two 15 aside games against Kenya on May 24th (home) and August 9th (away) as curtain raisers for the men’s Elgon Cup internationals. These games (for both the women and the men) may be in doubt though following the current political situation in Kenya at present. Kenya has been ravaged by violence since the last week of December 2007 after controversial presidential elections.
Meanwhile, URU has appointed David Mutaka to take over as the Lady Cranes 7 aside coach from Herbert Wafula who resigned last year. David Mutaka represented Uganda in both the 7 aside and 15 aside codes before retiring in 2006. Mutaka has a giant task ahead of him to ensure that the Lady Cranes qualify for the 7’s World Cup. If successful, Lady Cranes will be the ever first Ugandan team (across all sports- both female and male) to qualify for a World Cup.
In related news from around the globe, Brazil beat Argentina 45 – 00 in the final of the CONSUR (South American) qualifier to become the first country to qualify for 2009’s Women’s World Cup 7’s. The FIRA-AER (European) qualifier will be held in Limoges on June 14th and 15th – 6 teams will qualify from this event. The NAWIRA (North American and Caribbean) qualifier will be in the Bahamas on October 25th and 26th (2 teams will qualify) while the hosting countries and the dates of the ARFU (Asian – 3 teams will qualify), CAR (African – 2 teams will qualify) and FORU (Oceania – 2 teams will qualify) qualifiers and are yet to be announced.
ugrugbychiclet
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)