Kenya Lionesses produced a commanding display to defeat rivals Uganda Lady Cranes in the latest chapter of the East African rugby rivalry during the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Performance Division clash at RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
Kenya took some time to settle into the contest but exploded into life midway through the first half, producing a devastating attacking spell that yielded 22 points in just over 20 minutes. Janet Okello was at the heart of the attacking surge, using her pace to slice through the Ugandan defence before setting up Moreen Muritu for the opening try beneath the posts. Sinaida Mokaya calmly converted to give the hosts an early advantage.
Uganda briefly drew level after responding with a converted try of their own, but the Lionesses quickly regained control. Kenya’s aggressive running game and quick ball movement caused problems for the visitors, with Freshia Oduor sprinting through a gap in defence to score Kenya’s third try and stretch the lead to 17-7.
The Lady Cranes missed a chance to narrow the gap after failing to convert a penalty attempt, and Kenya immediately punished them. Debutant Tracy Montex marked her first appearance in style, crossing over after another brilliant attacking move orchestrated by Okello. Uganda managed to add three points before halftime, but Kenya still carried a healthy cushion into the break.
The Lionesses maintained their momentum in the second half as Faith Livoi bulldozed her way over for another converted try. Kenya’s forwards also stamped their authority through a powerful rolling maul that resulted in another score before Oduor completed her brace late on.
Earlier in the day, South Africa women’s national rugby union team recovered from a shaky opening to overpower Madagascar women’s national rugby union team 62-5 in another Performance Division fixture at RFUEA Grounds.
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