Kenya outclass Uganda to sweep Elgon Cups

Kenya Ladies’s Camilyne Oyuayo is tackled by Beatrice Atim of Uganda ladies during their Elgon Cup finals KRFU Grounds on 19-07-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Kenya A head coach Dominique Habimana feels his team produced a heroic performance to successfully retain the 2014 Elgon Cup against Uganda’s Rugby Cranes, on Saturday, at the RFUEA grounds.
Cranes went into the match riding on a 21-14 first leg advantage played in Kampala the previous weekend, but a classy Kenya showed plenty of character to overturn the deficit with an emphatic 34-0 victory and ensure all the three Cups remain in the country.
“The boys performed heroically and I am very proud of their display and character. We came into the game knowing very well that we were trailing from the first game.

The boys played as per instructions and I am happy our strategy worked. They’ve made Kenya proud,” a jubilant Habimana said.
This was just after the Kenya Lionesses had outclassed a depleted Uganda Lady Cranes, when they thrashed them 39-10, for a 72-25 aggregate win that saw them reclaim the title.
In an earlier encounter, Cranes U19 were unable to hold to hold onto their 15-10 win over their Kenyan counterparts as Chipu recovered to beat them 27-12 and lift the inaugural competition (37 -27 on aggregate).
Although junior team coach Paul Murunga, was impressed with their performance as it’s part of their preparation for next month’s CAR Cup in Namibia and the Youth Olympic Games in China, he challenged Kenya Rugby Union to invest in youth structures.
“Simba XV recently missed out on the World Cup qualification after coming so close, but that’s because of our preparations and lack of adequate structures. And from the boys’ display in the Elgon Cup, it’s evident we’ve what it takes to play at the next World Cup. It’s upon KRU to start investing in these young boys because they are the future of the senior team,” Murunga said.
Meanwhile, former Kenya Sevens coach Mike Friday has been appointed the new USA’s Eagles trainer. Friday replaces Matt Hawkins, who was asked to step down.