'We'll both get better from this': Kenya beat Uganda in historic clash

Kenya women ran in ten tries as they defeated Uganda 54-0 at the Kisumu Polytechnic Grounds, in the first women’s senior international for both nations.

The hosts had eight different try scorers, fullback Christine Oketch and winger Maxine Abuga from AP Warriors each crossing twice and built their victory on a strong start which them 22-0 up inside ten minutes, and 32 points ahead at half time.

Kenya hooker Milkah Chitechi finished with 18 points from a try and seven goals.

Kenya women’s head coach, Antonio Lombardo, commented: “The game went well for us, everything we planned went our way. The ladies showed how we can play rugby league in Kenya. It was a good display from Uganda also, we’ll both get better from this.”

His captain, scrum half Lovinah Mijere, added: “We were glad that we were able to achieve the win but we have noticed some things that we need to work on.

"Our next target is the World Cup and we are looking forward to improving for when we face Nigeria next September in the qualifiers.”

Uganda skipper, hooker Lucky Melan Nirere, noted: “We are so glad to be here. We put in a lot of hard work back home and are so grateful to Kenya for giving us this opportunity and enable us to have this experience. Being a new sport in our country, we are delighted to try it out.”

The nations will play a return fixture in Uganda next year.

KENYA 54

Christine Oketch, Maxine Abuga, Alice Muigai, Angel Salamba, Mary Ngendo, Moreen Atieno, Lovinah Mijere, Janet Malwa, Milkah Chitechi, Dorris Kimani, Sophye Nabwire, Dorothy Mulela, Clarice Mutambi. Subs: Vivian Anyango, Lawnisky Munayi, Esther Ongiri, Rose Nyaboke

Kenya Tries: Mijere (2), Abuga (5, 80), Nabwire (8) , Anyango (10), Salamba (22), Oketch (37, 60), Chitechi (42), Mugai (58); Goals: Milkah Chitechi 7/11

UGANDA 0

Nema Sarah Alanyo, Bonet Irankunda, Isabella Ira, Fazirah Namukwaya, Sarah Namutebi, Aisha Nakityo Nabulime, Maimuna Namboga, Susan Agenorwot, Lucky Melan Nirere, Rachel Cyizanye, Salama Uwamahoro, Sarah Kamahoro, Judith Ntakirutimana. Subs: Emily Muhoza, Halima Kemigisha, Fortunate Irankunda, Cabrine Kirabo

Referee: Brian Odiwuory (Kenya)

Half time: 32-0