Uganda Rugby Cranes stunned Keny Simba 21-20 in a hotly contested final match of the Victoria Rugby Cup at Kings Park Arena in Kampala on Sunday, November 5, 2023.
Kenya Simbas began the match strongly, scoring two tries through Joel Inzuga, while Joney Kubu added one of the conversions to take a 12-0 lead.
Captain Ivan Magomu responded with two penalties to make it 12-6 for the home team.
Uganda went into the break leading 13-12 after Conrad Wanyama scored a try and Magomu was accurate with the conversion.
In the last minutes before the break, Conrad Wanyama sneaked in for a try, which Magomu converted to give Uganda a 13-12 advantage.
After the break, Kubu successfully converted a penalty, restoring Kenya’s lead to 15-13.
Joseph Oyet scored his first try for Uganda, putting the team in the lead following an assist from Magomu.
Later, Joel Inzuga scored another try for Kenya, but Ugandan substitute Liam Walker came off and stepped up for the challenge, and he slotted it home for the team to secure the championship.
According to Fred Mudoola, the Uganda Rugby Cranes coach, the defence and mobility of the back row won this game.
He also said that it was through hard work that they were able to win the championship.
“It is through hard work that we have lifted this trophy we last won in 2010,” he added.
The two sides will meet on Saturday in Kisumu Kenya for the second leg of the Elgon Cup.
Uganda launched this campaign with a 30-8 victory against Zambia, and Kenya Simba overcame Zambia 32-12 in the second match. The championship attracted three teams: Uganda, Kenya, and Zambia
