Kenya defended the annual Elgon Cup title on Saturday after defeating Uganda 16-05 during the return leg at the Kyadondo Rugby Club, Kampala.
The Uganda Rugby Cranes sponsored by Nile Special had won the first leg 13-16 in Kisumu Kenya and only needed to avoid defeat to claim their first title since 2012.
Rugby Cranes carried an eight-point aggregate lead courtesy of Ronald Kanyanya early unconverted try before Billy Omondi cancelled the effort with an unconverted try.
Kenya 7s skipper Jacob Ojee utilized a penalty to earn his side a 5-8 lead going into the break. He later put another ball in between the posts from the tee after the break to silence the home crowd.
With less than 10 minutes to play, Ojee, set up by scrumhalf Mickey Wanjala, capitalized on Uganda’s defense lapse to seal the victory from the blind side.
“It was a tough game because brought the game to us. I am happy we managed to pull it off,” Ojee noted after receiving his Man of the match accolade.
In the women’s category, Kenya Lionesses beat Uganda Lady Rugby Cranes 33-05 to win 79-19 on aggregate following a 44-14 first leg win in Kisumu.
Leah Wambui, Captain Phila Olando, Stella Wafula and Shebesh all crossed the white wash for Kenya. The Uganda ladies will now shift focus to Africa Women’s 15s due August in South Africa. The competition will also double as the 2021 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
