ELGON CUP: Kenya ‘A’ edge Uganda at RFUEA

Defending champions Kenya “A” touched down four times for a slim 20-17 win over Uganda Cranes in the first leg of the Elgon Cup at the RFUEA grounds on Saturday.

Eighth-man Charles Omondi scored a brace of tries as skipper and openside flanker Edwin Makori and wing Alvin Otieno grounded a try apiece to give the Kenyans a three-point advantage heading to the second leg next Saturday in Kampala.

Eighth-man Scott Oluoch and openside flanker substitute Pius Ogena managed a try each for Cranes as Kevin Makmot converted both, with wing Lawrence Sebuliba putting over a penalty.

The Kenyans, who wasted 14 points from dead-ball situations, have a lot to work on especially on their executions, line-outs and ball handling.

“A win is a win but we have a lot to work on, especially our strike rate,” admitted Kenya ‘A’ coach Mitch Ocholla. “We missed 11 points at the post hence we can do better on our executions.”

Ocholla said Kampala will be a tough hunting ground but added they have three days of training to seal glaring loopholes. “We shall also polish on our ball handling and line-outs,” said Ocholla.

Makori said his forwards must up their game in the second leg: “I feel the forwards were not up to scratch at the breakdowns where we suffered several turnovers and penalties. This is a young side and it’s a learning process for them,” said Makori.

Uganda captain Brian Odong said the game was intense and physical, as Kenya played a structured game. “We gave them easy tries owing to lapse in concentration, especially at the line-outs,” said Odong. “Three points isn’t much and we hope to win comprehensively in Kampala.”

GAME WAS TOUGH

The game was intense, with end-to-end attacks but it’s Uganda, who last won Elgon Cup in 2012, who drew first blood when Sebuliba curled over a penalty after an infringement. Kenya got a penalty but fullback Essau Otieno kicked wide.

Uganda defended well to hold off Kenya with good kicking, but it would not be for long. Kenya got a penalty inside Uganda’s 22 metres but opted for touch before mauling to score through Makori for a 5-3 lead at the break after scrum-half Eden Agero failed to convert.

Kenya got another penalty in the second-half, but Agero hit the post. Omondi then struck from a line-out to give Kenya a 10-3 lead before Agero and Makori’s thrilling display put hooker George Asin through. Asin sliced through on the inside before feeding Otieno to score. Agero missed the conversion as Kenya led 15-3.

Cranes hit back with lovely display at the breakdowns and Makmot converted Oluoch’s try. Omondi replied immediately for Kenya from a set pice, only for Ogena to score and Makmot converted.