Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Another close match between the East Africans

Lady Cranes pipped the Kenya women 8 - 5 in Kampala last Saturday to carry a slim 3 point lead into this Saturday's return leg in Nairobi. The Kenyans need to win by more than 4 points to ensure they retain the Elgon Cup that they won for the first time last year. Uganda needs only a draw but will be going for an all out win. The team travels by bus on Thursday.

The first half saw both teams squandering several try and penalty scoring opportunities and they went into the break tied at 0 - 0. In the second half Uganda broke the deadlock through Fortunate Irankunda. The conversion was missed and a couple of minutes later, Kenya hit back through their captain Celestine Masinde. The conversion was also missed and as the minutes wore down, Uganda mounted pressure on the Kenyans but were not able to cross the whitewash. Christine Kizito slotted home a penalty. The Ugandans made several more raids into Kenyan territory but were unable to score again. The game ended at 8 - 5.

Of concern to the Ugandans are poor field as well as goal kicks. Wayward lineout throws cost the Ugandans a lot of possession as well. On a good note, the back line has finally clicked and this is probably due to former Uganda flyhalf Ronnie Lutakome having taken over as the assistant coach. Bobby Musinguzi resigned due to work commitments. The scrum downs still remain solid but Uganda need to take advantage of their superiority in this area.

Ugandan team
  1. Warry Nambirige
  2. Fortunate Irankunda
  3. Christine Kizito
  4. Evelyn Aweku (vice captain)
  5. Hellen Gizamba
  6. Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi
  7. Aaliya Adania
  8. Josephine Namayega
  9. Regina Athieno
  10. Harriet Kayonjo
  11. Prossy Nakakande (captain)
  12. Beatrice Atim
  13. Brenda Kayiyi
  14. Charlotte Mudoola
  15. Helen Buteme
  16. Rebecca Akwenyu
  17. Jackie Musoke
  18. Winnie Atiang
  19. Claire Anena
  20. Asha Nakityo
  21. Mary Kyoita
  22. Hadijah Namuyanja

Coach – Henry Musoke

Assistant coach – Ronnie Lutakome

Team manager – Edmond Owor

Assistant team manager – Anne Sizomu Alan



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