Thunderbirds last chance to claim back their mantle from Black Panthers

After a period of inactivity, there is women's rugby on display this weekend prior to the Super Cup contest between G4S Pirates and MTN Heathens. In what will be the last game of the season, Black Panthers take on Thunderbirds and hope to end the year with the same form that saw them dominating in the latter part of the year. Thunderbirds on the other hand will attempt to put some pride back into their name and show the class of rugby that at one point kept them at the helm of women's club rugby in East Africa. With seasoned players such as Christine Kizito, Harriet Kayonjo, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi and Joan Namuyomba within their ranks Thunderbirds have experience on their side. However, the youthful Black Panthers team has in the past shown scant respect for experience and spurred by Brenda Kayiyi and Prossy Nakakande has relied on pace and daring to overcome the Thunderbirds.

Come Saturday, it promises to be the usual bone crunching affair between the two sides.

Black Panthers win Uganda Cup final curtain raiser

With the CAR 7s cancelled and little possibility of any other international competitions, UWRA is keeping the Ugandan women busy with additional domestic fixtures. The women's season has come to an end with Thunderbirds taking the UWRA 7's and UWRA 10's titles while Black Panthers surprisingly took the UWRA 15's title.

Brian Power's, Thunderbirds and Helen Buteme's, Black Panthers locked horns again over the weekend when they curtainraised the men's Uganda Cup final. Thunderbirds had the heavier and pack and regularly turned over the ball at the Black Panthers put in at the scrum. For the first 15 minutes Thunderbirds dominated play using their forwards while the Black Panthers defended ferociously and kept the Thunderbirds out of their 22. A clever turn over in the tackle by Black Panthers centre, Brenda Kayiyi, and the ball shifting out to speedster Emma Oroma who sprinted 40 metres to cross the try line. The conversion was missed but it breathed life into the Black Panthers players who, despite missing several chances to increase their lead, entertained the crowd with their brand of free flowing rugby. The game ended at 5 - 0 to Black Panthers.

Meanwhile, Helen Buteme, starred for Pirates 2 in the men's Uganda cup shield semi final on September 19th. Pirates 2 signed Buteme for the Uganda Cup and started her on the wing against Summerkamp where she played for 70 minutes of the game before being substituted. Buteme was not fielded for the final where Pirates 2 lost 8-6 to Boks.

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CAR 7's possibly cancelled

Word out on the grapevine is that the biggest women's 7's tournament in Africa will not take place this year as the Uganda Rugby Union has been unable to get sponsors for the event. National teams from Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Tunisia, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda have taken part in previous editions. This year it was hoped that teams from Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, Madagascar, and Morocco would make their debut. I do not yet have the full details but evidently CAR needs to do more for women's rugby in the region. African unions, excepting South Africa and possibly Tunisia, simply do not have the financial muscle to tour the world seeking out competition to improve their standard of rugby. With this trend, I see the gap similarly widening between South Africa and the rest of Africa in women's rugby as it is in men's rugby.

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Lady Cranes win match but lose Elgon Cup

Lady Cranes put up a strong performance to pip the Kenyan team that had humiliated them 38 – 05 in Nairobi two weeks previously. Henry Musoke made only two changes to his squad after losing Dorothy Nekesa and Angela Athieno to injury. Utility back, Charlotte Mudoola came back into the squad at outside centre while hooker, Stella Kyalikunda earned a place on the bench. After a scoreless first half, a penalty try was awarded to Uganda at the beginning of the second half after a Kenyan player pulled back Charlotte Mudoola as she chased a loose ball rolling into the in goal area. Mudoola converted to give the Ugandans a 7 point lead. This lead was narrowed to 2 points when Celestine Navalayo scored 20 minutes later. The Lady Cranes kept the pressure on the Kenyans and were rewarded when Stella Kyalikunda wrapped it up for the Uganda in the last 10 minutes of the game after she dotted down under the posts. Mudoola missed the conversion so the final score remained at 12 – 05. Despite winning the game, Uganda lost the Elgon Cup on aggregate (Uganda 17, Kenya 43).

Several players from both teams stood out but the pick of them all was the Kenyan number 8, Irene Nyakundi, who carried the ball well and turned over the ball at numerous occasions when Uganda was looking dangerous. Her captain, Celestine Navalayo who played at outside centre, also deserves mention for her strong runs. For Uganda, second rowers Hellen Gizamba and her vice captain Evelyn Aweku were outstanding in the lineouts and ball carrying while the entire front row, Warry Nambirige, Christine Kizito and Fortunate Irankunda were instrumental in destabilising the Kenyan scrum. Helen Buteme, at fullback, neutralised the Kenyans kicking game and made several try saving tackles.

Full-time: 12 - 05

Half-time: 0-0

Scorers

Uganda, Tries: Penalty try, Stella Kyalikunda; Conversions: Charlotte Mudoola.

Kenya, Tries: Celestine Navalayo.

Match officials

Referee: Charles Mungoma (Uganda)

Assistant referees: Denis Anguyo and Daniel Alilo (Uganda).

Match Commissioner: Denis Odongkara (Uganda)

Lady Cranes

1. Warry Nambirige - Thunderbirds
2. Fortunate Irankunda - Black Panthers
3. Christine Kizito – Thunderbirds (Stella Kyalikunda)
4. Hellen Gizamba - Black Panthers
5. Evelyn Aweku (vice captain) - Thunderbirds
6. Aalliya Adania - Thunderbirds
7. Claire Anena - Black Panthers
8. Josephine Namayega - Black Panthers
9. Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi - Thunderbirds
10. Harriet Kayonjo - Thunderbirds
11. Prossy Nakakande (captain) - Black Panthers
12. Brenda Kayiyi - Black Panthers
13. Charlotte Mudoola - Rangers
14. Hadijah Namuyanja – Rangers (Beatrice Atim)
15. Helen Buteme - Black Panthers
16. Stella Kyalikunda - Thunderbirds
17. Alice Nankyonyi - Thunderbirds
18. Emma Oroma - Black Panthers
19. Aisha Bahanii - Black Panthers
20. Joan Namuyomba - Thunderbirds
21. Beatrice Atim - Black Panthers
22. Mary Kyoita - Rangers

Coach: Henry Musoke

Assistant coach: Bobby Musinguzi

Team manager: Jackie Kigozi

Team doctor: Priscilla Najjemba

Kenyan team

1. Camilyne Awuor - Mwamba Invaders
2. Mary Otieno - Mwamba Invaders
3. Rebecca Kerubo - Mwamba Invaders (Janet Midecha)
4. Angela Olum - Mwamba Invaders
5. Rachael Adhiambo - Mwamba Invaders
6. Stacy Awuor - Vivi Girls
7. Aberdeen Shikhoyi - Mwamba Invaders
8. Irene Nyakundi - Mwamba Invaders
9. Mary Musieka - Mwamba Invaders (Anita Omondi)
10. Doreen Remour - Mwamba Invaders
11. Philadelphia Olando - Mwamba Invaders
12. Judy Agengo - Mwamba Invaders
13. Celestine Navalayo (Captain) - Mwamba Invaders
14. Robinah Wambui - Vivi Girls
15. Irene Awino - Mwamba Invaders
16. Anita Omondi - Mwamba Invaders
17. Dorcas Ocholi - Mwamba Invaders
18. Esther Njue - - Mwamba Invaders
19. Kezia Adhiambo - Vivi Girls
20. Adelaide Nasambu - Mwamba Invaders
21. Millicent Opalla - Mwamba Invaders
22. Janet Midecha - Vivi Girls

Coach: Sammy Kemmy

Assistant coach: Pritt Nyandatt

Team manager: Yvonne Makwali

Physiotherapist: Gerald Omondi

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Lady Cranes to host Kenyans in return match

Lady Cranes 15’s coach, Henry Musoke, has the unenviable task of rebuilding the Lady Cranes 15’s squad and at the same retaining the Elgon Cup. The retirement and unavailability of half of the regular starting players meant that Musoke had to throw 7 uncapped players and several fringe players into the deep end in the game against Kenya 2 weeks ago. Led by their new captain, Prossy Nakakande, the Lady Cranes spectacularly collapsed against a well drilled and experienced Kenyan side. Although the Ugandans showed occasional flashes of brilliance, the Kenyans used their strong pack effectively to provide their backs with good ball and wipe out any resistance from the Ugandans: the result was a 38 – 05 drubbing.

Two weeks on Musoke will probably use the same squad against the Kenyans and hope for better results. Musoke will have to do without the services of Dorothy Nekesa as she was injured in the first leg and has not recovered in time for the return leg. However, it is likely that the squad will be boosted by the presence of Charlotte Mudoola who missed the first leg as she was sitting exams. After their baptism of fire, Musoke will hope that the new players will have settled into the team and will thrive under the steadying influence of seasoned players such as Mudoola, Christine Kizito and Helen Buteme. Ugandan fans have come to expect nothing short of victory at home and Musoke and his charges will have to do all that they can to deliver. The Kenyans arrive today with a largely unchanged squad - Esther Njue steps in for Florence Awuor.

Kenyan squad:

Forwards

Camilyne Awour, Mary Otieno, Rebecca Kerubo, Angela Olum, Rachael Adhiambo, Aberdeen Shikhoyi, Stacy Awour, Irene Nyakundi, Ester Njue, Adelaide Nasambu, Kezia Adhiambo.

Backs

Mary Musieka, Doreen Remour, Rubina Wambui, Judy Agengo, Celestine Navalayo (Captain), Philadelphia Olando, Irene Awino, Anita Omondi, Dorcas Ocholi, Millicent Opalla, Janet Midecha.

Officials: Sammy Kemmey (Coach), Pritt Nyandatt (Assistant Coach) Yvonne Makwali (Team Manager), Gerald Omondi (Physiotherapist).

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Kenya in emphatic win over Lady Cranes

The Kenyan women possibly hold an unassailable lead after winning the first leg of the Elgon Cup 38 - 05. The Kenyans built up a 19 - 00 half time lead after winning all their set pieces and using their bigger forwards to set up attacking options for their backline. Doreen Remour and Celestine Navalayo scored 2 tries each, with woman of the match Adedeen Shikoyi and Mary Otieno adding one each. Angela Olum kicked over four conversions. Christine Kizito scored a consolation try for the Lady Cranes.

Both teams were reduced to 14 in the second half after Helen Buteme (Uganda) was shown a yellow card for a high tackle while Philadelphia Olanda (Kenya) got a yellow card for stamping.

Prossy Nakakande, the new Lady Cranes captain admitted this was not Uganda at her best. “We took so long to settle down and give credit to Kenya, they have very strong runners who made the difference. It may not be an excuse but we are missing some of the key players for this leg. It is a wake up call and we just have to step it up in the return leg which will not be easy,” the captain acknowledged.

The Kenyan captain, Celestine Navalayo said they were taking it one game at a time. “We will celebrate this win but the hard work starts just now. I think we could have won by many points but did not convert our chances early in the first half which is why it took 25 minutes to score the first points,” she said.

The Ugandans host the Kenyans in Kampala on August 29th.

Full-time: 38 - 05

Half-time: 19-0

Scorers

Kenya: Tries – Abedeen Shikoyi, Celestine Navalayo (2), Doreen Remour (2), Mary Atieno; Conversions: Angela Olum (4).

Uganda, Tries: Christine Kizito.

Yellow Cards

Helen Buteme (Uganda)

Philadelphia Olando (Kenya)

Match officials

Referee: Andrew Karani (Kenya)

Assistant referees: Allan Khakame (Kenya), Ian Muriuki (Kenya).

Table officials: Edward Mbugua and Daniel Kimani (Kenya)

Match Commissioner: Godwin Karuga (Kenya)

Lady Cranes team

1. Warry Nambirige - Thunderbirds
2. Dorothy Nekesa - Thunderbirds (Angela Athieno)
3. Alice Nankyonyi - Thunderbirds (Fortunate Irankunda)
4. Hellen Gizamba - Black Panthers
5. Christine Kizito - Thunderbirds
6. Evelyn Aweku (vice captain) - Thunderbirds
7. Aalliya Adania - Thunderbirds
8. Josephine Namayega - Black Panthers
9. Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi - Thunderbirds
10. Harriet Kayonjo - Thunderbirds (Claire Anena)
11. Prossy Nakakande (captain) - Black Panthers
12. Brenda Kayiyi - Black Panthers
13. Beatrice Atim - Black Panthers (Joan Namuyomba)
14. Emma Oroma - Black Panthers (Mary Kyoita)
15. Helen Buteme - Black Panthers
16. Fortunate Irankunda - Black Panthers
17. Angela Athieno - Black Panthers
18. Claire Anena - Black Panthers
19. Aisha Bahanii - Black Panthers
20. Hadijah Namuyanja - Rangers
21. Joan Namuyomba - Thunderbirds
22. Mary Kyoita – Rangers

Coach: Henry Musoke

Team manager: Pamela Abeja

Team doctor: Priscilla Najjemba

Kenya team

1. Camilyne Awuor - Mwamba Invaders (Janet Midecha)
2. Mary Otieno - Mwamba Invaders
3. Rebecca Kerubo - Mwamba Invaders
4. Angela Olum - Mwamba Invaders
5. Rachael Adhiambo - Mwamba Invaders (Florence Awuor)
6. Stacy Awuor - Vivi Girls
7. Abedeen Shikhoi - Mwamba Invaders
8. Irene Nyakundi - Mwamba Invaders
9. Mary Musieka - Mwamba Invaders (Anita Omondi)
10. Doreen Remour - Mwamba Invaders
11. Philadelphia Olando - Mwamba Invaders
12. Judy Agengo - Mwamba Invaders
13. Celestine Navalayo (Captain) - Mwamba Invaders
14. Robinah Wambui - Vivi Girls
15. Irene Awino - Mwamba Invaders
16. Anita Omondi - Mwamba Invaders
17. Dorcas Ocholi - Mwamba Invaders
18. Florence Awuor - Vivi Girls
19. Kezia Adhiambo - Vivi Girls
20. Adeline Nasambu - Mwamba Invaders
21. Millicent Opalla - Mwamba Invaders
22. Janet Midecha - Vivi Girls

Coach: Sammy Kemmey

Team manager: Josephine Were

Physiotherapist: George Odhiambo

sources: the Punter, Daily Nation, August 15th 2009 and kenyarfu.com

Lady Cranes for Elgon CUp

The Lady Cranes depart by bus for Kenya today.

Warry Nambirige, Dorothy Nekesa, Alice Nankyonyi, *Hellen Gizamba, Christine Kizito, Evelyn Aweku, Aliya Adania, Josephine Namayega, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Harriet Kayonjo, Prossy Nakakande, Brenda Kayiyi, *Beatrice Atim, *Emma Oroma, Helen Buteme, *Claire Anena, Hadija Namuyanja, *Angela Atieno, *Mary Kyoita, *Aisha Bahanii, Joan Namuyomba and Fortunate Irankunda.

*denotes uncapped for 15's.

Coach Henry Musoke
Assitant coach Bobby Musinguzi
Team Manager Jackie Kigozi



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