Saturday, August 17
*Uganda 15-15 Madagascar
*South Africa 39-00 Kenya
Uganda’s senior women national rugby 15s team, the Lady Rugby Cranes, picked their first point in a 15-15 draw against Madagascar on the closing day of the Rugby Africa Cup.
The four team tourney also doubled as the qualifiers for the Rugby World Cup set to be played in New Zealand.
None of the two teams – Uganda and Madagascar – came in the game with hopes of a top spot after suffering similar fortunes in their two opening games.
Notably, Uganda had lost 89-05 and 37-05 to South Africa and Kenya Lioness respectively.
Madagascar dominated the opening minutes but it was Uganda who took the lead through Julie Nandawula’s try and Mary Kyoita’s conversion.
The opponents scored a penalty back to reduce the deficit as Uganda took a 7-3 lead at the break at the Bosman Stadium in Johannesburg.
Led by Fabrina Holiniana who had scored the penalty in first half and Patricia Ravololonirina, Mozambique turned tables to take a 15-10 lead before Samiya Ayikoru grounded after taking a pass from Captain Winnie Etyang to level the score 15-15. Centre Ajikoru missed the drop kick conversion to register a stalemate.
South Africa finished at the top of the group after three rounds of matches as the Springbok Women beat Kenya Lioness 39-00 to clinch the title and also qualify for the Women’s Rugby World Cup to be held in New Zealand in 2021. Kenya will face a team to South America to qualify for a repechage tourney.
Uganda starting 15
Faith Namugga, Yvonne Najjuma, Irene Nzige, Winnie Atyang, Charity Atimango, Peace Mirembe, Helen Gizamba, Beatrice Lamunu, Mary Kyoita Odoyi, Harriet Kayonjo, Asha Nakityo Nabulime, Peace Lekeru, Samiya Ayikoru, Esther Tino, Juliet Nandawula.
