Kenya beat Uganda to lift Elgon Cup 2013

Kenya recovers from an early onslaught to deal the Rugby Cranes a sucker punch

Prior to this game Rugby Cranes full back Benon Kizza,prop Ronald Adigasi  had failed fitness tests thats saw them  eventually dropped from the squad. In came full back Joseph Aredo, prop Dennis Mugambi got his first start, Fly Half Japher ochen also got his first start while new comer Davis Kiwalabye started on  the bench. From the kick off the Rugby Cranes showed their intent making several raids into the Kenya 22 but were held back by some much improved defending from the Kenyans. For all the raids Uganda came out with a single penalty from Bishop Onens boot. The contest was yet another physical affair that saw Kenya full back Vincent Mose stretchered off concussed after a big hit from center Michael Wokorach. Kenya wing David Ambunya would also follow shortly as the both sides tackled each other ferociously. Kenya slowly begun to get into the game and fly half Ken Andola nailed a penalty to tie the scores 3 all .Another penalty from Ken Andola gave Kenya an unlikely 3-6 lead. Cranes responded to this by scoring a try through an 8^th man pick by Marvin Odongo who stepped off his opposing flanker and barged over for a try. Fly Half Japher Ochen converted for Uganda to lead 10-06.Both sides had a go at each other with all attacks repelled by some resolute defending. It was like a game of chess as either side cancelled out each other. The defining moment of the game was however to come just before the interval, a very crucial time in any test. Lock Timothy Dumba with a rush of blood to the head speared Kenya captain Wilson Kopondo in front of not only the referee but the posts at the 5 meter line! Dumba who was lucky not to be red carded was sent to the bin and Ken Andola made no mistake in front of the posts. Uganda 10 Kenya 09. Cranes fly half Japher Ochen who had run his backline well and kept Kenya in their half with his boot was taken off for medical attention after he hand was caught under a Kenyan forwards boot. With 13 men on pitch and the Cranes technical bench slow at making a decision, Kenya would launch an attack that would seal the fate of the home side. A long punt was fumbled by full back Joseph Aredo putting his line under pressure. The Kenyans were quick to stretch the Uganda line as replacement full back Isaac Adimo scored a try that was converted by Ken Andola. The half thus ended as a shell shocked Cranes in space of 5 minutes ended up chasing a game they appeared to have been in control of.

HALFTIME: UGANDA 10 KENYA 16

At the restart Cranes showed intent with some forays into the Kenya half but Bishop Onens penalty went just wide of the posts while Joseph Aredos penalty fell way short of the target. Kenya on the other hand made no mistake when the chance came to stretch the lead to 19-13 vide Ken Andolas boot. The latter was clearly having one hell of a game. As the physical contest intensified Captain Alex Mubiru limped off with a knee injury.

Frustration crept in for the hosts as they begun to commit a host of errors while Kenya on the other hand, now extended their control to the line outs and scrummages completely denying the hosts any chance at the ball. The introduction of Davis Kiwalabye at scrum half ,Andrew Olweny at 8^th man and  Robert Seguya move to flank saw Cranes eventually begin to carry the ball and earn penalty that was converted by Aredo. Uganda 13-19 Kenya. The changes were however a little too late as the visitors Kenya prevailed for their second win in Kampala in this tournament.

Kenya was worth the victory to become the 2013 Elgon Cup winners.

The Cranes coaches will rue how they failed to manage a disciplinary and medical crisis that happened in quick succession. The on pitch leadership also failed to react to aftermath of the crisis that they completely failed to recover from.

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