by Ciarán Duffy
Round 4 is the only game round with every team in action
Kenya 45 – 25 Senegal
The Simbas remain unbeaten in this years competition ahead of next weeks difficult away trip to Zimbabwe. Steve Sargos had kicked Senegal into an early 3-point lead, but Darwin Mukidza responded by scoring the first two of his three tries to put Kenya 12 – 3 ahead. Senegal would hit back, with Sargos getting a try, and it seemed like the game was turning against Kenya when Jacob Ojee went off injured. However, Joshua Chisanga and Dennis Muhanji would get over to give Kenya a 24 – 10 lead at halftime.
Further tries for Kenya scored by David Ambunya and Ikambili, the latter getting his first international try, stretched their lead. Kenya did leave some tries out there and lacked the edge they showed last week. Despite this, nothing could stop Mukidza getting his 3rd try of the game. Senegal were able to keep some respectability on the score board as George Mendy got two 2nd half tries.
A bonus point win for Kenya keeps them in the title hunt, Senegal still with just the 1 point having played more games than anyone else. You can watch some of the tries here.
Uganda 78 – 17 Tunisia
Man of the match Philip Wokorach got 31 points as Uganda blew Tunisia away. The first of his three tries came in the 8th minute as Uganda were on top right from the start. Charles Uhuru got the second soon after before Alex Mubiru touched down on his 50th cap. Uganda led 43 – 0 at halftime with further tries from captain Brian Odong, Ivan Magomu, James Odong, and a second for Philip Wokorach. In the second half Michael Wokorack got the Cranes up to 50 points with a try. Tunisia were nowhere to be found in the first half, but they got three tries in the second, scored by Isam Ouwham, Dhia Dhieb, and Graa Yahya. Uganda got a total of 11 tries, Mathias Ochwo and Solomon Okia also touching down in a game where the result really was never in doubt.
Uganda remain in contention, but have a difficult run in with games against Namibia and Zimbabwe. Tunisia have next week off, they play Zimbabwe in two weeks before a crucial final game against Senegal.
Namibia 31 – 26 Zimbabwe
Reigning champions Namibia kept their 100% record in this years tournament despite trailing 20 – 7 at halftime. Namibia led early on with a converted try from Damian Stevens. Zimbabwe went back in front when Hilton Mudariki scored off the back of a scrum, adding to Makwanyas earlier penalty. Winger Takudza Kumadiro touched down with the clock in red to give Zimbabwe a 13 point lead at halftime. The lead was extended to 16 when Makwanya kicked another penalty. Namibia had a stint of pressure which resulted in Darryl de la Harpe getting over the line. Gino Wilson would get another as Namibia cut the gap to 23 – 17. The boot of Makwanya restored Zimbabwes two-score lead. JC Greyling got Namibias 4th try, and with four minutes left Johann Tromp used his pace to score what turned out to be the winning try.
Namibia remain top by two points having taken the maximum 15 points from their first three games. Zimbabwe are 4th, having only played 2 games.
Table
Pld
|
Pts
|
PD
| ||
1
|
Namibia
|
3
|
15
|
+141
|
2
|
Kenya
|
3
|
13
|
+110
|
3
|
Uganda
|
3
|
11
|
+62
|
4
|
Zimbabwe
|
2
|
7
|
+7
|
5
|
Senegal
|
4
|
1
|
-128
|
6
|
Tunisia
|
3
|
0
|
-197
|
Next weeks fixtures (kickoff in Irish time):
Uganda – Namibia (12:00)
Zimbabwe – Kenya (14:00)
Ciarán Duffy (@TheVoiceDepth) is a Leinster supporter and self-proclaimed ‘big cheese’ of Post To Post (@PostToPostSport). He’ll write about anything rugby under the condition he gets to take it too seriously.
*****
Want to see your own rugby opinions on the web?
Click "Write for us" in the sidebar to find out how.
