Nairobi Kenya: Uganda’s Rugby Cranes signaled their intent to retain the Elgon Cup after registering a hard fought 17-16 win over hosts Kenya in the first leg at the Moi International Sports Center on Saturday 15 June 2013.
It was Kenya who went ahead when prop forward Joseph Kang’ethe grounded the ball for Kenya, scoring from a rolling maul. Kenya dominated early on but could not translate possession into more points.
Winger Justin Kimono restored parity for Uganda, beating three defenders to score an unconverted try that made it 5-5.
Brian Nyikuli (Kenya) and Romano Ogwal (Uganda) would be sent to the sin bin before half time as Isaac Adimo’s penalty right on half time made it 8-5.
Eighth man Joshua Chisanga scored on his debut for Kenya, his try immediately after the restart putting Kenya 13-5 up. A string of infringements saw Kenya concede three penalties, all slotted home by Jonathan Onen, the Rugby Cranes now 14-13 up, their small bunch of travelling supporters shouting their voices hoarse as they pressed forward.
Kenya were still in the game, pressing the Ugandans but simply unable to put points on the board. They eventually retook the lead when Isaac Adimo drilled home a penalty, 16-14 the scores. Another Onen penalty saw Uganda lead 17-16, a lead they held to the end.
The second leg of this annual fixture takes place in Kampala on Saturday 22 June 2013.
Kenya Rugby Union News