Sunday, November 5
•Uganda 21-20 Kenya
In the heart-pounding showdown at the Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere, the Uganda Rugby Cranes beat a formidable Kenya Simbas side to win an exhilarating battle for the Victoria Cup title.
In a winner-takes-it-all affair after both sides had previously beaten Zambia, the Rugby Cranes needed a late Liam Walker penalty to snatch it 21-20.
Kenya cruised into a dream start thanks to early Tries from Victor Teddy Akala and Joel Inzuga, with Jone Kubu Tavaga added a conversion on the latter’s Try to give the side a 12-point advantage.
However, Ivan Magomu’s precision in landing consecutive penalties narrowed the gap, 6-12, and it could have been narrower but the Pirates star missed another Penalty shortly after.
The momentum shifted in Uganda’s favour when Conrad Wanyana’s try, coupled with Magomu’s successful conversion, propelled the side into a tense one-point lead at halftime, marking a riveting turn of events.
The second half was a see-saw of emotions as both sides fought fiercely, exchanging penalties and tries.
Tavaga scored a penalty for Kenya while Ivan Magomu missed two successive penalties for Uganda as the Kenyan team surged ahead, 13-15.
But Joseph Oyet crossed over for Uganda’s Try as the side regained their lead. Liam Walker, on for Eric Mulamula, missed the subsequent conversion.
But Joel Inzunga made a Try which was converted by Tavaga to propel Kenya forward, 18-20, to silence a raucous home crowd.
But the defining moment arrived in the 80th minute, as Liam Walker stepped up, cool under pressure, to successfully land a decisive penalty for Uganda.
The stadium erupted in jubilation as the final whistle blew, securing a narrow 21-20 victory for the Uganda Rugby Cranes.
The match also doubled as the first leg of the Elgon Cup between Uganda and Kenya, with the return leg slated for 11th November in Kisumu.
